Optimize constrained ESP32 build profiles

Fix T1000-E temperature and M3 full builds
Correct Seeed nRF52 firmware size limits
2026-08-20 00:16:43 -07:00 · 2026-08-19 18:27:17 -07:00 · 2026-08-19 17:32:57 -07:00 · 2026-08-19 17:32:05 -07:00 · 2026-08-19 16:22:53 -07:00 · 2026-08-19 16:20:24 -07:00
797 changed files with 190339 additions and 4871 deletions
@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":99968,"max_alloc":81908,"internal_free":99968,"spiram_free":2079119},"timestamp":60038}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":186636,"max_alloc":81908,"internal_free":186636,"spiram_free":2079887},"timestamp":120040}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":94328,"max_alloc":81908,"internal_free":94328,"spiram_free":2079119},"timestamp":180078}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":99564,"max_alloc":81908,"internal_free":99564,"spiram_free":2079119},"timestamp":240093}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":99564,"max_alloc":81908,"internal_free":99564,"spiram_free":2079119},"timestamp":300130}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":203620,"max_alloc":81908,"internal_free":203620,"spiram_free":2079927},"timestamp":360131}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":203620,"max_alloc":81908,"internal_free":203620,"spiram_free":2079927},"timestamp":420131}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":99732,"max_alloc":81908,"internal_free":99732,"spiram_free":2079119},"timestamp":480150}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":164132,"max_alloc":69620,"internal_free":164132,"spiram_free":2079119},"timestamp":540153}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":90808,"max_alloc":79860,"internal_free":90808,"spiram_free":2079119},"timestamp":600166}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":99676,"max_alloc":81908,"internal_free":99676,"spiram_free":2079119},"timestamp":660181}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":99708,"max_alloc":81908,"internal_free":99708,"spiram_free":2079119},"timestamp":720195}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":99720,"max_alloc":81908,"internal_free":99720,"spiram_free":2079119},"timestamp":780217}
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:2142","message":"after_new_analyzer_us_client","hypothesisId":"H4","data":{"free":219116,"max_alloc":208884,"internal_free":219116,"spiram_free":2080343},"timestamp":4420}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:2182","message":"after_new_analyzer_eu_client","hypothesisId":"H4","data":{"free":218704,"max_alloc":208884,"internal_free":218704,"spiram_free":2080343},"timestamp":4422}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":96768,"max_alloc":81908,"internal_free":96768,"spiram_free":2079119},"timestamp":60033}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":163244,"max_alloc":71668,"internal_free":163244,"spiram_free":2079119},"timestamp":120034}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":166716,"max_alloc":71668,"internal_free":166716,"spiram_free":2079119},"timestamp":180036}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":163240,"max_alloc":71668,"internal_free":163240,"spiram_free":2079119},"timestamp":240035}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":163372,"max_alloc":71668,"internal_free":163372,"spiram_free":2079119},"timestamp":300035}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":163728,"max_alloc":71668,"internal_free":163728,"spiram_free":2079119},"timestamp":360037}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":169512,"max_alloc":71668,"internal_free":169512,"spiram_free":2079119},"timestamp":420038}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":169512,"max_alloc":71668,"internal_free":169512,"spiram_free":2079119},"timestamp":480040}MQTT: Stored raw radio data: 74 bytes, SNR=11.2, RSSI=-59.0
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":163500,"max_alloc":71668,"internal_free":163500,"spiram_free":2079119},"timestamp":540040}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":163320,"max_alloc":71668,"internal_free":163320,"spiram_free":2079119},"timestamp":600041}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":163352,"max_alloc":71668,"internal_free":163352,"spiram_free":2079119},"timestamp":660043}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":163340,"max_alloc":71668,"internal_free":163340,"spiram_free":2079119},"timestamp":720044}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":163912,"max_alloc":71668,"internal_free":163912,"spiram_free":2079119},"timestamp":780045}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":169512,"max_alloc":71668,"internal_free":169512,"spiram_free":2079119},"timestamp":840044}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:716","message":"critical_memory_check","hypothesisId":"H1_H4","data":{"free":169512,"max_alloc":71668,"internal_free":169512,"spiram_free":2079119},"timestamp":900003}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":169512,"max_alloc":71668,"internal_free":169512,"spiram_free":2079119},"timestamp":900045}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":169512,"max_alloc":71668,"internal_free":169512,"spiram_free":2079119},"timestamp":960046}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":166480,"max_alloc":71668,"internal_free":166480,"spiram_free":2079119},"timestamp":1020050}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":163324,"max_alloc":71668,"internal_free":163324,"spiram_free":2079119},"timestamp":1080052}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":203612,"max_alloc":83956,"internal_free":203612,"spiram_free":2079927},"timestamp":1140052}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":203612,"max_alloc":83956,"internal_free":203612,"spiram_free":2079927},"timestamp":1200056}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":203648,"max_alloc":83956,"internal_free":203648,"spiram_free":2079927},"timestamp":1260059}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":203648,"max_alloc":83956,"internal_free":203648,"spiram_free":2079927},"timestamp":1320062}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":203648,"max_alloc":83956,"internal_free":203648,"spiram_free":2079927},"timestamp":1380064}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":203648,"max_alloc":83956,"internal_free":203648,"spiram_free":2079927},"timestamp":1440067}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":203648,"max_alloc":83956,"internal_free":203648,"spiram_free":2079927},"timestamp":1500069}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":203700,"max_alloc":83956,"internal_free":203700,"spiram_free":2079927},"timestamp":1560072}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":203652,"max_alloc":83956,"internal_free":203652,"spiram_free":2079927},"timestamp":1620076}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":203748,"max_alloc":83956,"internal_free":203748,"spiram_free":2079887},"timestamp":1680080}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":203648,"max_alloc":83956,"internal_free":203648,"spiram_free":2079927},"timestamp":1740082}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:716","message":"critical_memory_check","hypothesisId":"H1_H4","data":{"free":203648,"max_alloc":83956,"internal_free":203648,"spiram_free":2079927},"timestamp":1800004}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":203648,"max_alloc":83956,"internal_free":203648,"spiram_free":2079927},"timestamp":1800086}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":203648,"max_alloc":83956,"internal_free":203648,"spiram_free":2079927},"timestamp":1860087}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":203648,"max_alloc":83956,"internal_free":203648,"spiram_free":2079927},"timestamp":1920090}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":203648,"max_alloc":83956,"internal_free":203648,"spiram_free":2079927},"timestamp":1980092}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":203700,"max_alloc":83956,"internal_free":203700,"spiram_free":2079927},"timestamp":2040094}
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":92832,"max_alloc":83956,"internal_free":92612,"spiram_free":2074463},"timestamp":2100108}02:24:28 - 5/2/2026 U RAW: 09054F86AB7EE0223B896D851B3704309F
+{"sessionId":"debug-session","location":"MQTTBridge.cpp:505","message":"mqtt_loop_60s","hypothesisId":"H5","data":{"free":99732,"max_alloc":81908,"internal_free":99732,"spiram_free":2079119},"timestamp":2160133}
@@ -12,15 +12,14 @@
 	"runArgs": [
 		"--privileged",
 		"--network=host",
-		"--device=/dev/bus/usb",
-		// arch linux tty* is owned by uucp (986)
-		"--group-add=986",
+		"--volume=/dev/bus/usb:/dev/bus/usb:ro",
+		// arch tty* is owned by uucp (986)
 		// debian tty* is owned by dialout (20)
-		"--group-add=20"
+		"--group-add=20",
+		"--group-add=986"
 	],
 	"postCreateCommand": {
-		"platformio": "pipx install platformio",
-		"opencode": "curl -fsSL https://opencode.ai/install | bash"
+		"platformio": "pipx install platformio"
 	},
 	"customizations": {
 		"vscode": {
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+tools/lora_ota/rak3401_four_component_endf_backport.patch whitespace=-blank-at-eol,-blank-at-eof
+tools/lora_ota/rak3401_terminal_ota_backport.patch whitespace=-blank-at-eol,-blank-at-eof
@@ -1 +1 @@
-github: meshcore-dev
+github: IoTThinks
@@ -25,5 +25,14 @@ runs:
    - name: Extract Version from Git Tag
      shell: bash
      run: |
-        GIT_TAG_NAME="${GITHUB_REF#refs/tags/}"
-        echo "GIT_TAG_VERSION=${GIT_TAG_NAME##*-}" >> $GITHUB_ENV
+        if [[ "${GITHUB_REF}" == refs/tags/* ]]; then
+          # triggered by a tag push (e.g: refs/tags/companion-v1.2.3)
+          GIT_TAG_NAME="${GITHUB_REF#refs/tags/}"
+          VERSION_STRING="${GIT_TAG_NAME##*-}"
+        else
+          # triggered by a workflow dispatch (e.g: refs/heads/main)
+          # strip "refs/heads/" prefix and replace any remaining "/" with "-" to protect file paths
+          BRANCH_NAME="${GITHUB_REF#refs/heads/}"
+          VERSION_STRING=$(echo "$BRANCH_NAME" | tr '/' '-')
+        fi
+        echo "GIT_TAG_VERSION=${VERSION_STRING}" >> $GITHUB_ENV
@@ -10,33 +10,8 @@ on:
      - 'companion-*'

 jobs:
-
-  build:
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-    steps:
-
-      - name: Clone Repo
-        uses: actions/checkout@v6
-
-      - name: Setup Build Environment
-        uses: ./.github/actions/setup-build-environment
-
-      - name: Build Firmwares
-        env:
-          FIRMWARE_VERSION: ${{ env.GIT_TAG_VERSION }}
-        run: /usr/bin/env bash build.sh build-companion-firmwares
-
-      - name: Upload Workflow Artifacts
-        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v7
-        with:
-          name: companion-firmwares
-          path: out
-
-      - name: Create Release
-        uses: softprops/action-gh-release@v3
-        if: startsWith(github.ref, 'refs/tags/')
-        with:
-          name: Companion Firmware ${{ env.GIT_TAG_VERSION }}
-          body: ""
-          draft: true
-          files: out/*
+  build-companion-firmwares:
+    uses: ./.github/workflows/firmware-builder.yml
+    with:
+      firmware_type: 'companion'
+      release_title_prefix: 'Companion Firmware'
@@ -0,0 +1,377 @@
+name: Build MQTT Observer Firmwares (BETA channel)
+
+permissions:
+  contents: write
+
+# Push-triggered on the dev line, mirroring build-observer-firmwares.yml.
+#
+# This is NOT the original design -- dispatch-only was, so that publishing to real
+# nodes stayed an explicit act. That does not work in this repo: this fork's
+# default branch is `dev` (an upstream mirror that carries none of the observer
+# workflows), and GitHub only surfaces `workflow_dispatch` for workflows present
+# on the DEFAULT branch. A dispatch-only workflow here would never appear in the
+# Actions UI. Adding fork-specific workflows to `dev` would pollute the upstream
+# mirror and conflict on every upstream sync, so the push trigger is the correct
+# mechanism -- the same one production already relies on.
+#
+# workflow_dispatch is kept as well: harmless now, and it starts working if the
+# default branch ever changes.
+#
+# Consequence to be aware of: every push to `observer-firmware-dev` publishes a
+# dev-channel build. That is defensible for a channel users opt into, but if you
+# want staging commits without publishing, work on a side branch and fast-forward
+# `observer-firmware-dev` when you intend to release.
+on:
+  workflow_dispatch:
+  push:
+    branches:
+      - observer-firmware-dev
+    # Same rationale as production: docs/CI-only changes do not alter binaries.
+    paths-ignore:
+      - '**.md'
+      - 'docs/**'
+      - 'scripts/gen_changelog.py'
+      - '.github/**'
+      - '.gitignore'
+      - '.gitattributes'
+      - '.editorconfig'
+      - 'LICENSE'
+      - '.vscode/**'
+      - '.claude/**'
+      # Throwaway build worktrees never affect the binaries.
+      - '.build-wt-*'
+      - '.build-wt-*/**'
+
+# Own group: serialize beta builds against each other only. Concurrency groups are
+# repo-wide, not per-branch, so sharing one with the production workflows let an
+# in-flight beta build force a production build into the pending state, where the
+# next run queued into the group cancelled it outright. Concurrent flasher pushes
+# are instead made safe by the rebase-retry in "Commit & Push Beta Artifacts".
+concurrency:
+  group: observer-firmware-beta-build
+  cancel-in-progress: false
+
+env:
+  # MUST stay equal to the production channel's FIRMWARE_VERSION. The observer's
+  # OTA comparison treats a different base version as "always an update", so a
+  # distinct base here would make every beta node think it is permanently behind.
+  # Channels are separated by manifest URL, not by base version.
+  FIRMWARE_VERSION: v1.17.1
+
+  # Beta-only rolling release. A separate tag is required, not cosmetic: the
+  # publish step prunes all but the KEEP_BUILDS most recent build hashes within
+  # its tag, so sharing production's tag would make each channel delete the
+  # other's assets.
+  RELEASE_TAG: observer-mqtt-beta-latest
+
+  # The channel itself. Firmware fetches <OTA_MANIFEST_BASE>/<OTA_VARIANT>.json,
+  # so this URL is what keeps beta nodes on beta.
+  OTA_MANIFEST_BASE_URL: https://observer.gessaman.com/beta/v
+  # Marks the embedded version, e.g. v1.16.0.3-observer-beta-dev-abc1234, so `ver`
+  # (and the MQTT firmware_version / SNMP) identify BOTH the channel and its
+  # provenance: this channel is built from the upstream-dev-merged line, so "dev"
+  # is carried in the string rather than left to be inferred from the branch name.
+  # Does not affect OTA version parsing: ota_parseVersion() reads to the first '-'
+  # and ota_extractHash() takes the token after the last, so tags in between are
+  # transparent.
+  OTA_CHANNEL_TAG: beta-dev
+  # Marks the asset *filenames*, e.g. <env>-v1.16.0-dev-abc1234.bin, so a
+  # downloaded file identifies its channel at a glance. Lowercase letters only --
+  # the filename parsers (gen-slim ASSET_RE, the /releases Worker, flasher.js)
+  # accept exactly (?:-[a-z]+)? between version and hash.
+  FILENAME_CHANNEL_TAG: "-dev"
+
+  # Beta's own build counter, so the two channels' build numbers never interleave.
+  COUNTER_URL: https://observer.gessaman.com/observer-beta-build-counter.json
+  COUNTER_FILE: observer-beta-build-counter.json
+
+  # Where beta artifacts live in the flasher repo. MANIFEST_DIR must correspond to
+  # OTA_MANIFEST_BASE_URL's path, and STATIC_PATH must be a host/route serving the
+  # beta GitHub release (see cloudflare-worker).
+  MANIFEST_DIR: beta/v
+  STATIC_PATH: https://observer-fw-beta.gessaman.com
+
+jobs:
+
+  enumerate:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    outputs:
+      matrix: ${{ steps.split.outputs.matrix }}
+      build_number: ${{ steps.buildnum.outputs.n }}
+    steps:
+      - name: Clone Repo
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+
+      - name: Split observer envs into shards
+        id: split
+        shell: bash
+        run: |
+          SHARDS=14
+          ENVS=$(grep -rhoE '^\[env:[^]]*observer_mqtt\]' platformio.ini variants/*/platformio.ini \
+                 | sed -E 's/^\[env:(.*)\]$/\1/' | sort -u)
+          echo "Discovered envs:"; echo "$ENVS"
+          MATRIX=$(echo "$ENVS" | awk -v n="$SHARDS" '
+              { shard[NR % n] = shard[NR % n] " " $0 }
+              END { for (i = 0; i < n; i++) { sub(/^ /, "", shard[i]);
+                    printf "{\"idx\":%d,\"envs\":\"%s\"}\n", i, shard[i] } }' \
+              | jq -cs .)
+          echo "matrix=$MATRIX" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
+
+      - name: Compute beta build number
+        id: buildnum
+        shell: bash
+        run: |
+          # Same scheme as production but off the BETA counter, so the channels
+          # increment independently.
+          CUR=$(curl -fsSL "$COUNTER_URL" 2>/dev/null || echo '{}')
+          PREV_BASE=$(echo "$CUR" | jq -r '.baseVersion // ""')
+          PREV_BUILD=$(echo "$CUR" | jq -r '.build // 0')
+          if [ "$PREV_BASE" = "$FIRMWARE_VERSION" ]; then
+            N=$((PREV_BUILD + 1))
+          else
+            N=1
+          fi
+          echo "Base $FIRMWARE_VERSION; previous beta build $PREV_BUILD (base $PREV_BASE) -> N=$N"
+          echo "n=$N" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
+
+  build:
+    needs: enumerate
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    strategy:
+      fail-fast: false
+      matrix:
+        shard: ${{ fromJSON(needs.enumerate.outputs.matrix) }}
+    steps:
+      - name: Clone Repo
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+
+      - name: Cache PlatformIO Toolchains
+        uses: actions/cache@v4
+        with:
+          path: |
+            ~/.platformio/packages
+            ~/.platformio/platforms
+          key: pio-toolchains-${{ runner.os }}-${{ hashFiles('platformio.ini') }}
+          restore-keys: |
+            pio-toolchains-${{ runner.os }}-
+
+      - name: Setup Build Environment
+        uses: ./.github/actions/setup-build-environment
+
+      - name: Build Shard ${{ matrix.shard.idx }}
+        env:
+          FIRMWARE_BUILD_NUMBER: ${{ needs.enumerate.outputs.build_number }}
+          # OTA_MANIFEST_BASE_URL and OTA_CHANNEL_TAG (what actually make this a
+          # beta build) come from the workflow-level env: above, which every step
+          # inherits. Do NOT redeclare them as ${{ env.X }} here -- that is a
+          # self-reference, and if it resolved empty it would blank the channel.
+        run: /usr/bin/env bash build.sh build-firmware ${{ matrix.shard.envs }}
+
+      - name: Verify beta channel is baked in
+        shell: bash
+        run: |
+          # Fail fast rather than publish firmware that would OTA itself onto the
+          # production channel. Checks one built binary actually carries the beta
+          # manifest URL and does NOT carry the production one.
+          BIN=$(find .pio/build -name firmware.elf | head -1)
+          if [ -z "$BIN" ]; then echo "no ELF found to verify" >&2; exit 1; fi
+          if ! strings "$BIN" | grep -qF "$OTA_MANIFEST_BASE_URL"; then
+            echo "ERROR: beta manifest base missing from $BIN" >&2; exit 1
+          fi
+          if strings "$BIN" | grep -qE 'https://observer\.gessaman\.com/v"?$'; then
+            echo "ERROR: production manifest base present in a beta build" >&2; exit 1
+          fi
+          echo "OK: $BIN carries $OTA_MANIFEST_BASE_URL"
+
+      - name: Upload Shard Artifact
+        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4
+        with:
+          name: fw-${{ matrix.shard.idx }}
+          path: out
+          if-no-files-found: error
+
+  release:
+    needs: [enumerate, build]
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+      - name: Clone Repo
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        # Shallow on purpose -- see the production workflow: `git rev-parse --short`
+        # must produce the same abbreviation build.sh used for the asset filenames.
+
+      - name: Download All Shard Artifacts
+        uses: actions/download-artifact@v4
+        with:
+          path: artifacts
+
+      - name: Flatten into out/
+        run: |
+          mkdir -p out
+          find artifacts -type f -name '*.bin' -exec cp -f {} out/ \;
+          find artifacts -type f -name '*.partsig' -exec cp -f {} out/ \;
+          echo "Collected binaries:"; ls -1 out
+
+      - name: Compute Short SHA
+        id: sha
+        run: echo "short=$(git rev-parse --short HEAD)" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
+
+      - name: Publish to Beta Rolling Release
+        env:
+          GH_TOKEN: ${{ github.token }}
+        run: |
+          # Retry wrapper for GitHub API calls. This job runs AFTER ~15 minutes of
+          # building across 14 runners, and every call below is an API write; with
+          # `bash -e`, a single transient 5xx throws all of that away. Observed
+          # 2026-07-19: `gh release create` got HTTP 503 during a GitHub incident
+          # and killed a run whose builds had all passed.
+          # `until` in a condition does not trip `-e`, so this is safe here.
+          gh_retry() {
+            local n=0 max=5 delay=10
+            until "$@"; do
+              n=$((n + 1))
+              if [ "$n" -ge "$max" ]; then
+                echo "::error::gh failed after $max attempts: $*" >&2
+                return 1
+              fi
+              echo "gh call failed (attempt $n/$max), retrying in ${delay}s: $*" >&2
+              sleep "$delay"
+              delay=$((delay * 2))
+            done
+          }
+
+          # Deliberately NOT retried: a plain "release does not exist" is the
+          # expected answer on the first run, and retrying it would just burn the
+          # backoff. A 5xx here instead makes us fall through to create, which is
+          # then tolerated below if the release actually did already exist.
+          if ! gh release view "$RELEASE_TAG" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+            gh_retry gh release create "$RELEASE_TAG" --prerelease \
+              --title "MQTT Observer Firmwares (BETA)" \
+              --notes "Rolling BETA build. Separate channel from observer-mqtt-latest; beta nodes only OTA within this channel." \
+            || gh release view "$RELEASE_TAG" >/dev/null 2>&1 \
+            || { echo "::error::could not create or confirm $RELEASE_TAG" >&2; exit 1; }
+          fi
+
+          gh_retry gh release upload "$RELEASE_TAG" $(find out -maxdepth 1 -type f ! -name '*.partsig') --clobber
+
+          # Keep the release body in sync with the repo's notes source, with the
+          # dev-channel warning prepended: the /releases feed serves the body as
+          # this channel's dropdown changelog. Non-fatal -- stale notes beat a
+          # red build whose binaries are already live.
+          {
+            printf '%s' '<p><b>&#9888; DEV/BETA CHANNEL:</b> pre-release firmware. A node flashed from this channel keeps receiving OTA updates from this channel until re-flashed by cable.</p>'
+            cat firmware-notes.html
+          } > /tmp/beta-notes.html
+          gh_retry gh release edit "$RELEASE_TAG" --notes-file /tmp/beta-notes.html \
+            || echo "WARNING: release notes sync failed" >&2
+
+          # Pruning is housekeeping and runs AFTER the upload has succeeded. If the
+          # API is flaky here, skip it rather than fail the job -- old assets simply
+          # linger until the next run, which is strictly better than reporting
+          # failure for a build whose binaries are already published.
+          KEEP_BUILDS=2
+          if ! asset_list=$(gh_retry gh release view "$RELEASE_TAG" --json assets \
+                              -q '.assets[] | "\(.createdAt) \(.name)"'); then
+            echo "::warning::could not list assets; skipping prune this run"
+            exit 0
+          fi
+          keep_hashes=$(printf '%s\n' "$asset_list" \
+            | sort -r \
+            | while read -r _ts name; do
+                printf '%s' "$name" | grep -oiE '[0-9a-f]{7,40}(-merged)?\.bin$' | grep -oiE '^[0-9a-f]{7,40}'
+              done \
+            | awk '!seen[$0]++' | head -n "$KEEP_BUILDS")
+          echo "Retaining build hashes:"; echo "$keep_hashes"
+          # Reuse asset_list rather than making a second API call (its lines are
+          # "<createdAt> <name>", so the name is field 2).
+          printf '%s\n' "$asset_list" | awk '{print $2}' \
+            | while read -r asset; do
+                ah=$(printf '%s' "$asset" | grep -oiE '[0-9a-f]{7,40}(-merged)?\.bin$' | grep -oiE '^[0-9a-f]{7,40}' || true)
+                if [ -n "$ah" ] && grep -qxF "$ah" <<<"$keep_hashes"; then
+                  continue
+                fi
+                gh release delete-asset "$RELEASE_TAG" "$asset" --yes || true
+              done
+
+      - name: Checkout Flasher Repo
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        with:
+          repository: agessaman/flasher.meshcore.io
+          token: ${{ secrets.FLASHER_DISPATCH_TOKEN }}
+          path: flasher
+
+      - name: Generate Beta Manifests
+        env:
+          BUILD_NUMBER: ${{ needs.enumerate.outputs.build_number }}
+        run: |
+          # config-beta.json is no longer derived here: the flasher's Version
+          # dropdown is feed-driven (/releases on the firmware-proxy Worker
+          # lists both channels), so the beta channel needs no config of its
+          # own and this workflow's flasher commit touches only beta/v/ and the
+          # counter.
+          mkdir -p "flasher/$MANIFEST_DIR"
+          # Slim manifests come from the build output in out/ (the assets
+          # actually uploaded to the release), not from config-beta.json -- see
+          # gen-slim-manifests.py's --bin-dir mode (flasher repo PR #1).
+          python3 flasher/scripts/gen-slim-manifests.py \
+            --bin-dir out \
+            --static-path "$STATIC_PATH" \
+            --out-dir "flasher/$MANIFEST_DIR" \
+            --base-version "$FIRMWARE_VERSION" \
+            --build "$BUILD_NUMBER" \
+            --partsig-dir out
+
+          printf '{\n  "baseVersion": "%s",\n  "build": %s\n}\n' \
+            "$FIRMWARE_VERSION" "$BUILD_NUMBER" > "flasher/$COUNTER_FILE"
+          echo "Beta build $FIRMWARE_VERSION.$BUILD_NUMBER"
+
+      - name: Verify beta manifests point at the beta channel
+        run: |
+          # Guards against a beta manifest handing out a production download URL.
+          SAMPLE=$(find "flasher/$MANIFEST_DIR" -name '*.json' | head -1)
+          echo "sample: $SAMPLE"; cat "$SAMPLE"
+          if ! grep -qF "$STATIC_PATH" "$SAMPLE"; then
+            echo "ERROR: beta manifest does not use $STATIC_PATH" >&2; exit 1
+          fi
+
+      # NOTE: production's "Generate Changelog" and "Sync Docs into Flasher" steps
+      # are deliberately omitted. Those rewrite site-wide content (CHANGELOG.md,
+      # MQTT_IMPLEMENTATION.md, ...) that the production channel owns; a beta build
+      # must not overwrite them.
+
+      - name: Commit & Push Beta Artifacts
+        working-directory: flasher
+        run: |
+          # Scoped add: beta only ever touches its own manifest dir and counter,
+          # so a stray edit elsewhere in the flasher checkout (in particular
+          # production's config.json) can never be published by this workflow.
+          git add -A "$MANIFEST_DIR" "$COUNTER_FILE"
+          if git diff --cached --quiet; then
+            echo "No beta changes to commit."
+            exit 0
+          fi
+          git config user.name "meshcore-bot"
+          git config user.email "noreply@gessaman.com"
+          git commit -m "Update BETA observer firmware to ${{ steps.sha.outputs.short }} (build ${FIRMWARE_VERSION}.${{ needs.enumerate.outputs.build_number }})"
+          # The production workflows can be pushing to the flasher repo right now
+          # (no shared concurrency group any more), so a non-fast-forward is expected
+          # rather than fatal: rebase onto their commit and retry. The scoped add
+          # above keeps this commit inside the beta paths, so a conflict with
+          # production's files is not possible.
+          br=$(git rev-parse --abbrev-ref HEAD)
+          for attempt in 1 2 3; do
+            if git push origin "HEAD:$br"; then
+              exit 0
+            fi
+            echo "push rejected (attempt $attempt); rebasing onto origin/$br"
+            git fetch origin "$br"
+            # --autostash: the scoped add above leaves unrelated edits in the
+            # checkout unstaged on purpose, and plain rebase refuses to run with a
+            # dirty tree. They stay unstaged, so they still never get published.
+            git rebase --autostash "origin/$br" || {
+              git rebase --abort || true
+              echo "::error::flasher rebase conflicted; re-run this workflow to republish"
+              exit 1
+            }
+          done
+          echo "::error::could not push beta changes after 3 attempts"
+          exit 1
@@ -0,0 +1,335 @@
+name: Build MQTT Observer Firmwares
+
+permissions:
+  contents: write
+
+on:
+  workflow_dispatch:
+  push:
+    branches:
+      - observer-firmware
+    # Only rebuild firmware when something that affects the binaries changes.
+    # Docs, the changelog, the changelog generator, CI files, and repo-meta
+    # files do not change firmware output - docs/changelog are handled by
+    # sync-flasher-content.yml instead. NOTE: a push is skipped only if EVERY
+    # changed file matches a pattern below; one stray unlisted file (e.g. an
+    # earlier .gitignore edit) triggers a full build, so keep meta files listed.
+    paths-ignore:
+      - '**.md'
+      - 'docs/**'
+      - 'scripts/gen_changelog.py'
+      - '.github/**'
+      - '.gitignore'
+      - '.gitattributes'
+      - '.editorconfig'
+      - 'LICENSE'
+      - '.vscode/**'
+      - '.claude/**'
+      # Throwaway build worktrees never affect the binaries.
+      - '.build-wt-*'
+      - '.build-wt-*/**'
+
+# Own group: serialize builds against each other only. Do NOT share this group
+# with sync-flasher-content.yml -- a mixed code+docs commit triggers both, and a
+# run that is still pending when its sibling is queued gets cancelled, which
+# silently skipped the firmware build. Concurrent flasher pushes are instead made
+# safe by the rebase-retry in "Commit & Push Flasher Config".
+concurrency:
+  group: observer-firmware-build
+  cancel-in-progress: false
+
+env:
+  # Version embedded in firmware filenames; must match the version key in the
+  # flasher's config.json. Bump here when the observer version changes.
+  FIRMWARE_VERSION: v1.17.1
+  # Rolling release tag that hosts the latest observer binaries.
+  RELEASE_TAG: observer-mqtt-latest
+  # Download host serving RELEASE_TAG's assets (cloudflare-worker in the flasher
+  # repo). Baked into the slim OTA manifests' file URLs; must stay consistent
+  # with config.json's staticPath.
+  STATIC_PATH: https://observer-fw.gessaman.com
+
+jobs:
+
+  # Discover the *_observer_mqtt envs and split them into SHARDS groups so the
+  # build fans out across runners (pio builds envs sequentially within a job).
+  enumerate:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    outputs:
+      matrix: ${{ steps.split.outputs.matrix }}
+      build_number: ${{ steps.buildnum.outputs.n }}
+    steps:
+      - name: Clone Repo
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+
+      - name: Split observer envs into shards
+        id: split
+        shell: bash
+        run: |
+          SHARDS=14
+          ENVS=$(grep -rhoE '^\[env:[^]]*observer_mqtt\]' platformio.ini variants/*/platformio.ini \
+                 | sed -E 's/^\[env:(.*)\]$/\1/' | sort -u)
+          echo "Discovered envs:"; echo "$ENVS"
+          MATRIX=$(echo "$ENVS" | awk -v n="$SHARDS" '
+              { shard[NR % n] = shard[NR % n] " " $0 }
+              END { for (i = 0; i < n; i++) { sub(/^ /, "", shard[i]);
+                    printf "{\"idx\":%d,\"envs\":\"%s\"}\n", i, shard[i] } }' \
+              | jq -cs .)
+          echo "matrix=$MATRIX" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
+
+      - name: Compute observer build number
+        id: buildnum
+        shell: bash
+        run: |
+          # Per-base published-build counter. N increments once per release and
+          # resets to 1 when FIRMWARE_VERSION (the MeshCore base version) changes.
+          # Read-only here (off the published counter); the release job is the sole
+          # writer and only writes on a successful build, so a failed build doesn't
+          # burn a number. First run / 404 -> empty -> N=1.
+          COUNTER_URL="https://observer.gessaman.com/observer-build-counter.json"
+          CUR=$(curl -fsSL "$COUNTER_URL" 2>/dev/null || echo '{}')
+          PREV_BASE=$(echo "$CUR" | jq -r '.baseVersion // ""')
+          PREV_BUILD=$(echo "$CUR" | jq -r '.build // 0')
+          if [ "$PREV_BASE" = "$FIRMWARE_VERSION" ]; then
+            N=$((PREV_BUILD + 1))
+          else
+            N=1
+          fi
+          echo "Base $FIRMWARE_VERSION; previous build $PREV_BUILD (base $PREV_BASE) -> N=$N"
+          echo "n=$N" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
+
+  # Build one shard (several envs) per runner. build.sh emits both the app
+  # .bin and the ESP32 -merged.bin into out/ for each env.
+  build:
+    needs: enumerate
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    strategy:
+      fail-fast: false
+      matrix:
+        shard: ${{ fromJSON(needs.enumerate.outputs.matrix) }}
+    steps:
+      - name: Clone Repo
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+
+      # Cache the installed PlatformIO platforms + toolchains (the espressif32
+      # toolchain + Arduino framework are pinned in platformio.ini, so they are
+      # identical across commits). This skips the multi-hundred-MB download AND
+      # re-extraction that otherwise happens on every fresh runner's first build.
+      # Note: compiled objects are not worth caching here because build.sh injects
+      # a changing -DFIRMWARE_VERSION/-DFIRMWARE_BUILD_DATE into the global build
+      # flags, which busts every object's compile-command checksum each build.
+      - name: Cache PlatformIO Toolchains
+        uses: actions/cache@v4
+        with:
+          path: |
+            ~/.platformio/packages
+            ~/.platformio/platforms
+          key: pio-toolchains-${{ runner.os }}-${{ hashFiles('platformio.ini') }}
+          restore-keys: |
+            pio-toolchains-${{ runner.os }}-
+
+      - name: Setup Build Environment
+        uses: ./.github/actions/setup-build-environment
+
+      - name: Build Shard ${{ matrix.shard.idx }}
+        env:
+          # Stamp the per-base build number into the embedded version (v1.16.0.N).
+          FIRMWARE_BUILD_NUMBER: ${{ needs.enumerate.outputs.build_number }}
+        run: /usr/bin/env bash build.sh build-firmware ${{ matrix.shard.envs }}
+
+      - name: Upload Shard Artifact
+        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4
+        with:
+          name: fw-${{ matrix.shard.idx }}
+          path: out
+          if-no-files-found: error
+
+  # Collect all shard outputs, publish the rolling release, then point the
+  # flasher at the new build by bumping the hash + notes in its config.json.
+  release:
+    needs: [enumerate, build]
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+      - name: Clone Repo
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        # Intentionally shallow (default depth 1). "Compute Short SHA" below must
+        # run on the same shallow clone the build job used, because
+        # `git rev-parse --short` auto-extends its abbreviation as the object
+        # count grows (7 chars shallow, 8 chars with full history). build.sh names
+        # the firmware assets from a shallow clone, so a full-history release job
+        # would write an 8-char hash into config.json that no asset matches.
+        # History is deepened later, only for the changelog step.
+
+      - name: Download All Shard Artifacts
+        uses: actions/download-artifact@v4
+        with:
+          path: artifacts
+
+      - name: Flatten into out/
+        run: |
+          mkdir -p out
+          find artifacts -type f -name '*.bin' -exec cp -f {} out/ \;
+          # Per-env partition-table signatures (for the slim manifest's OTA gate).
+          find artifacts -type f -name '*.partsig' -exec cp -f {} out/ \;
+          echo "Collected binaries:"; ls -1 out
+
+      - name: Compute Short SHA
+        id: sha
+        run: echo "short=$(git rev-parse --short HEAD)" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
+
+      - name: Publish to Rolling Release (tag pinned; assets replaced in place)
+        env:
+          GH_TOKEN: ${{ github.token }}
+        run: |
+          # Create the release + tag once, then never move the tag again. Moving a
+          # rolling tag on every build causes "conflicting tag" errors in local
+          # clones (and a brief 404 window from delete/recreate).
+          if ! gh release view "$RELEASE_TAG" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+            gh release create "$RELEASE_TAG" --prerelease \
+              --title "MQTT Observer Firmwares" \
+              --notes "Rolling build of all *_observer_mqtt firmwares. The git short hash is embedded in each asset filename."
+          fi
+
+          # Upload this build, overwriting same-named assets. Exclude the .partsig
+          # files - those are consumed locally by the slim-manifest generator below,
+          # not published as release assets (and they'd break the hash-based prune).
+          gh release upload "$RELEASE_TAG" $(find out -maxdepth 1 -type f ! -name '*.partsig') --clobber
+
+          # Keep the release body in sync with the repo's notes source: the
+          # /releases feed serves it as the flasher dropdown's changelog
+          # (config.json no longer carries per-version notes). Non-fatal --
+          # stale notes beat a red build whose binaries are already live.
+          gh release edit "$RELEASE_TAG" --notes-file firmware-notes.html \
+            || echo "WARNING: release notes sync failed" >&2
+
+          # Prune old assets, but RETAIN the most recent KEEP_BUILDS build hashes
+          # (not just the current one). The flasher SPA reads config.json once at
+          # page load and the embedded git short-hash is what links it to assets;
+          # if we pruned down to only the current build, a tab opened during the
+          # previous build cycle would request an already-deleted binary and 404.
+          # Keeping the previous build covers that window.
+          # Pick the KEEP_BUILDS most-recent distinct build hashes: list assets as
+          # "<createdAt> <name>", sort newest-first (ISO timestamps sort lexically),
+          # pull the git short-hash out of each filename, de-dup preserving order.
+          KEEP_BUILDS=2
+          keep_hashes=$(gh release view "$RELEASE_TAG" --json assets \
+              -q '.assets[] | "\(.createdAt) \(.name)"' \
+            | sort -r \
+            | while read -r _ts name; do
+                printf '%s' "$name" | grep -oiE '[0-9a-f]{7,40}(-merged)?\.bin$' | grep -oiE '^[0-9a-f]{7,40}'
+              done \
+            | awk '!seen[$0]++' | head -n "$KEEP_BUILDS")
+          echo "Retaining build hashes:"; echo "$keep_hashes"
+          gh release view "$RELEASE_TAG" --json assets -q '.assets[].name' \
+            | while read -r asset; do
+                # `|| true`: a non-firmware asset (no embedded hash) makes grep exit
+                # non-zero, which under `bash -e` would abort the step. Empty ah then
+                # falls through to delete-asset, cleaning up any stray non-.bin asset.
+                ah=$(printf '%s' "$asset" | grep -oiE '[0-9a-f]{7,40}(-merged)?\.bin$' | grep -oiE '^[0-9a-f]{7,40}' || true)
+                if [ -n "$ah" ] && grep -qxF "$ah" <<<"$keep_hashes"; then
+                  continue
+                fi
+                gh release delete-asset "$RELEASE_TAG" "$asset" --yes || true
+              done
+
+      - name: Checkout Flasher Repo
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        with:
+          repository: agessaman/flasher.meshcore.io
+          token: ${{ secrets.FLASHER_DISPATCH_TOKEN }}
+          path: flasher
+
+      # update-firmware.py is no longer called here: config.json's observer
+      # entries are github release defs (no embedded filenames to rewrite), the
+      # flasher's versions come from the Worker's /releases feed, and the
+      # changelog notes ride the release body (see the publish step).
+
+      - name: Generate Slim Per-Variant Manifests + Persist Build Counter
+        env:
+          BUILD_NUMBER: ${{ needs.enumerate.outputs.build_number }}
+        run: |
+          # Derive the slim per-variant manifests (flasher/v/<env>.json) that the
+          # firmware fetches for `ota check`/`ota update`, from the build output
+          # in out/ -- the assets actually uploaded to the release -- stamping this
+          # build's number. Then persist the counter so the next run increments
+          # from here.
+          python3 flasher/scripts/gen-slim-manifests.py \
+            --bin-dir out \
+            --static-path "$STATIC_PATH" \
+            --out-dir flasher/v \
+            --base-version "$FIRMWARE_VERSION" \
+            --build "$BUILD_NUMBER" \
+            --partsig-dir out
+          printf '{\n  "baseVersion": "%s",\n  "build": %s\n}\n' \
+            "$FIRMWARE_VERSION" "$BUILD_NUMBER" > flasher/observer-build-counter.json
+          echo "Build $FIRMWARE_VERSION.$BUILD_NUMBER"
+
+      - name: Unshallow for Changelog
+        run: |
+          # gen_changelog.py needs the full branch history; deepen only now, AFTER
+          # Compute Short SHA ran on the shallow clone (so its 7-char abbreviation
+          # matches build.sh's firmware filenames). Guarded so a non-shallow clone
+          # (e.g. a manual full checkout) doesn't error.
+          if [ "$(git rev-parse --is-shallow-repository)" = "true" ]; then
+            git fetch --unshallow --quiet
+          fi
+
+      - name: Generate Changelog
+        run: |
+          # Append any new branch commits to the flasher's CHANGELOG.md. This is
+          # append-only and idempotent: the hand-curated history and the hash
+          # manifest already in flasher/CHANGELOG.md are preserved, and only
+          # commits not yet listed are added. The flasher repo is the persistent
+          # store of changelog state across builds; this checkout's git history
+          # (fetch-depth: 0) is the source. changelog.html renders this file.
+          python3 scripts/gen_changelog.py flasher/CHANGELOG.md
+
+      - name: Sync Docs into Flasher
+        run: |
+          # docs.html on the flasher site serves these raw .md files and renders
+          # them client-side; keep this list in sync with LOCAL_DOCS in
+          # flasher/docs.html.
+          for f in MQTT_IMPLEMENTATION.md MQTT_SNMP.md ALERTS.md; do
+            if [ -f "$f" ]; then
+              cp -f "$f" "flasher/$f"
+              echo "synced $f"
+            else
+              echo "WARNING: source doc $f not found" >&2
+            fi
+          done
+
+      - name: Commit & Push Flasher Config
+        working-directory: flasher
+        run: |
+          # Stage everything: update-firmware.py edits config.json in place, but the
+          # slim manifests (v/*.json) and the build counter can be NEW files, which
+          # `commit -am` would miss - so add -A and check the staged diff.
+          git add -A
+          if git diff --cached --quiet; then
+            echo "No flasher changes to commit."
+            exit 0
+          fi
+          git config user.name "meshcore-bot"
+          git config user.email "noreply@gessaman.com"
+          git commit -m "Update observer firmware to ${{ steps.sha.outputs.short }} (build ${FIRMWARE_VERSION}.${{ needs.enumerate.outputs.build_number }})"
+          # sync-flasher-content.yml can be pushing the same docs/changelog right
+          # now (a mixed code+docs commit triggers both), so a non-fast-forward is
+          # expected rather than fatal: rebase onto the sibling's commit and retry.
+          # If the rebase leaves nothing, git reports up-to-date and we exit clean.
+          br=$(git rev-parse --abbrev-ref HEAD)
+          for attempt in 1 2 3; do
+            if git push origin "HEAD:$br"; then
+              exit 0
+            fi
+            echo "push rejected (attempt $attempt); rebasing onto origin/$br"
+            git fetch origin "$br"
+            # --autostash so a dirty tree can never make the rebase refuse to run;
+            # nothing unstaged gets published either way.
+            git rebase --autostash "origin/$br" || {
+              git rebase --abort || true
+              echo "::error::flasher rebase conflicted; re-run this workflow to republish"
+              exit 1
+            }
+          done
+          echo "::error::could not push flasher changes after 3 attempts"
+          exit 1
@@ -0,0 +1,300 @@
+name: Build MQTT Observer+ Firmwares (keymind channel)
+
+# ============================================================================
+# STATUS: STAGED BUT NOT ENABLED - manual dispatch only.
+#
+# This is the experimental "plus" channel (mqtt-observer-plus = flex +
+# mcarper/keymindCascade). It mirrors build-observer-firmwares.yml with the
+# channel isolated end-to-end:
+#   - rolling release tag:   observer-mqtt-plus-latest   (NEVER share the
+#     stable tag: each workflow prunes old assets within its tag by build
+#     hash, so a shared tag would have the channels deleting each other's
+#     binaries)
+#   - firmware version:      v1.16.0-plus (filenames + embedded `ver`)
+#   - device pull-OTA:       OTA_MANIFEST_BASE overridden to .../v-plus so
+#     `ota update` on a plus node can never "update" it back onto the stable
+#     channel (the per-env platformio.ini bakes .../v; the env-injected flag
+#     below wins because PLATFORMIO_BUILD_FLAGS append after ini flags -
+#     verified by building and checking the embedded URL string)
+#
+# NOTE ON DISPATCH: GitHub does not index a workflow_dispatch-only workflow
+# that exists only on a non-default branch and has never run, so this workflow
+# will not appear in the Actions UI / `gh workflow list` (and cannot be
+# dispatched) until its push trigger fires once. That is intentional here -
+# "staged, not enabled" means nothing can fire it yet. Uncommenting the push
+# trigger below and pushing both registers it and runs the first build; from
+# then on `gh workflow run build-observer-plus-firmwares.yml --ref
+# mqtt-observer-plus` also works for manual builds.
+#
+# TO ENABLE THE CHANNEL:
+#   1. Uncomment the `push:` trigger below.
+#   2. Flip SYNC_FLASHER to "true" - but FIRST the flasher repo
+#      (agessaman/flasher.meshcore.io) needs channel support; until it does,
+#      the sync step below fails closed on purpose so the stable config.json
+#      cannot be clobbered. Flasher-side prerequisites:
+#        - update-firmware.py: a --channel/--config argument writing a
+#          plus-specific config (e.g. config-plus.json), not config.json
+#        - SPA: a channel picker (Observer / Observer+ experimental)
+#        - gen-slim-manifests.py output dir flasher/v-plus (arg already
+#          parameterized; wired below)
+#        - a plus changelog target (CHANGELOG-plus.md) - the stable
+#          CHANGELOG.md tracks the flex branch only
+#
+# Until SYNC_FLASHER is enabled, the per-base build counter has no writer, so
+# every manual dispatch publishes as build .1 - fine for hand-flashed testing
+# off the release page.
+# ============================================================================
+
+permissions:
+  contents: write
+
+on:
+  workflow_dispatch:
+  # ENABLE: uncomment to build+publish on every push to the plus branch.
+  # push:
+  #   branches:
+  #     - mqtt-observer-plus
+  #   # Keep in step with build-observer-firmwares.yml's paths-ignore.
+  #   paths-ignore:
+  #     - '**.md'
+  #     - 'docs/**'
+  #     - 'scripts/gen_changelog.py'
+  #     - '.github/**'
+  #     - '.gitignore'
+  #     - '.gitattributes'
+  #     - '.editorconfig'
+  #     - 'LICENSE'
+  #     - '.vscode/**'
+  #     - '.claude/**'
+  #     - 'mesh-america/**'
+
+# Shared with build-observer-firmwares.yml and sync-flasher-content.yml so no
+# two workflows ever push to the flasher repo at the same time.
+concurrency:
+  group: flasher-publish
+  cancel-in-progress: false
+
+env:
+  # Channel-tagged version: embedded in firmware filenames and (with the
+  # -observer tag + build number appended by build.sh) in `ver`/MQTT/SNMP.
+  FIRMWARE_VERSION: v1.16.0-plus
+  # Rolling release tag for this channel - distinct from observer-mqtt-latest.
+  RELEASE_TAG: observer-mqtt-plus-latest
+  # Channel-isolated pull-OTA manifest base baked into these binaries
+  # (overrides the .../v default from the per-env platformio.ini flags).
+  OTA_MANIFEST_BASE_URL: https://observer.gessaman.com/v-plus
+  # Fail-closed flasher-repo sync gate; see "TO ENABLE" above.
+  SYNC_FLASHER: "false"
+
+jobs:
+
+  # Discover the *_observer_mqtt envs and shard them across runners - same
+  # env set as the stable channel; only version/flags/tag differ.
+  enumerate:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    outputs:
+      matrix: ${{ steps.split.outputs.matrix }}
+      build_number: ${{ steps.buildnum.outputs.n }}
+    steps:
+      - name: Clone Repo
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+
+      - name: Split observer envs into shards
+        id: split
+        shell: bash
+        run: |
+          SHARDS=14
+          ENVS=$(grep -rhoE '^\[env:[^]]*observer_mqtt\]' platformio.ini variants/*/platformio.ini \
+                 | sed -E 's/^\[env:(.*)\]$/\1/' | sort -u)
+          echo "Discovered envs:"; echo "$ENVS"
+          MATRIX=$(echo "$ENVS" | awk -v n="$SHARDS" '
+              { shard[NR % n] = shard[NR % n] " " $0 }
+              END { for (i = 0; i < n; i++) { sub(/^ /, "", shard[i]);
+                    printf "{\"idx\":%d,\"envs\":\"%s\"}\n", i, shard[i] } }' \
+              | jq -cs .)
+          echo "matrix=$MATRIX" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
+
+      - name: Compute plus-channel build number
+        id: buildnum
+        shell: bash
+        run: |
+          # Plus-channel counter, separate from the stable channel's. The
+          # flasher-sync step is the sole writer; while SYNC_FLASHER is off
+          # this 404s -> N=1 every run (documented above).
+          COUNTER_URL="https://observer.gessaman.com/observer-plus-build-counter.json"
+          CUR=$(curl -fsSL "$COUNTER_URL" 2>/dev/null || echo '{}')
+          PREV_BASE=$(echo "$CUR" | jq -r '.baseVersion // ""')
+          PREV_BUILD=$(echo "$CUR" | jq -r '.build // 0')
+          if [ "$PREV_BASE" = "$FIRMWARE_VERSION" ]; then
+            N=$((PREV_BUILD + 1))
+          else
+            N=1
+          fi
+          echo "Base $FIRMWARE_VERSION; previous build $PREV_BUILD (base $PREV_BASE) -> N=$N"
+          echo "n=$N" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
+
+  build:
+    needs: enumerate
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    strategy:
+      fail-fast: false
+      matrix:
+        shard: ${{ fromJSON(needs.enumerate.outputs.matrix) }}
+    steps:
+      - name: Clone Repo
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+
+      - name: Cache PlatformIO Toolchains
+        uses: actions/cache@v4
+        with:
+          path: |
+            ~/.platformio/packages
+            ~/.platformio/platforms
+          key: pio-toolchains-${{ runner.os }}-${{ hashFiles('platformio.ini') }}
+          restore-keys: |
+            pio-toolchains-${{ runner.os }}-
+
+      - name: Setup Build Environment
+        uses: ./.github/actions/setup-build-environment
+
+      - name: Build Shard ${{ matrix.shard.idx }}
+        env:
+          FIRMWARE_BUILD_NUMBER: ${{ needs.enumerate.outputs.build_number }}
+          # Channel isolation for device pull-OTA: appended after the per-env
+          # ini flags, so this definition of OTA_MANIFEST_BASE wins. build.sh
+          # appends its own version/OTA_VARIANT flags to this variable.
+          PLATFORMIO_BUILD_FLAGS: -D OTA_MANIFEST_BASE='"${{ env.OTA_MANIFEST_BASE_URL }}"'
+        run: /usr/bin/env bash build.sh build-firmware ${{ matrix.shard.envs }}
+
+      - name: Upload Shard Artifact
+        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v4
+        with:
+          name: fw-plus-${{ matrix.shard.idx }}
+          path: out
+          if-no-files-found: error
+
+  release:
+    needs: [enumerate, build]
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+      - name: Clone Repo
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        # Shallow on purpose - see the stable workflow's note: build.sh named
+        # the assets from a shallow clone's 7-char short hash.
+
+      - name: Download All Shard Artifacts
+        uses: actions/download-artifact@v4
+        with:
+          path: artifacts
+
+      - name: Flatten into out/
+        run: |
+          mkdir -p out
+          find artifacts -type f -name '*.bin' -exec cp -f {} out/ \;
+          find artifacts -type f -name '*.partsig' -exec cp -f {} out/ \;
+          echo "Collected binaries:"; ls -1 out
+
+      - name: Compute Short SHA
+        id: sha
+        run: echo "short=$(git rev-parse --short HEAD)" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
+
+      - name: Publish to Rolling Release (tag pinned; assets replaced in place)
+        env:
+          GH_TOKEN: ${{ github.token }}
+        run: |
+          if ! gh release view "$RELEASE_TAG" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+            gh release create "$RELEASE_TAG" --prerelease \
+              --title "MQTT Observer+ Firmwares (experimental keymind channel)" \
+              --notes "Rolling build of the EXPERIMENTAL observer+ channel (mqtt-observer-plus = observer + mcarper keymind transmission-reliability work). Flashing between this and the stable observer channel preserves MQTT and core settings; downgrading to stable resets a handful of radio toggles (cad, fem rxgain, rx boost) and retry settings to defaults. The git short hash is embedded in each asset filename."
+          fi
+
+          gh release upload "$RELEASE_TAG" $(find out -maxdepth 1 -type f ! -name '*.partsig') --clobber
+
+          # Prune old assets within THIS tag only, retaining the most recent
+          # KEEP_BUILDS build hashes (same logic + rationale as the stable
+          # workflow: a flasher tab opened mid-cycle must not 404).
+          KEEP_BUILDS=2
+          keep_hashes=$(gh release view "$RELEASE_TAG" --json assets \
+              -q '.assets[] | "\(.createdAt) \(.name)"' \
+            | sort -r \
+            | while read -r _ts name; do
+                printf '%s' "$name" | grep -oiE '[0-9a-f]{7,40}(-merged)?\.bin$' | grep -oiE '^[0-9a-f]{7,40}'
+              done \
+            | awk '!seen[$0]++' | head -n "$KEEP_BUILDS")
+          echo "Retaining build hashes:"; echo "$keep_hashes"
+          gh release view "$RELEASE_TAG" --json assets -q '.assets[].name' \
+            | while read -r asset; do
+                ah=$(printf '%s' "$asset" | grep -oiE '[0-9a-f]{7,40}(-merged)?\.bin$' | grep -oiE '^[0-9a-f]{7,40}' || true)
+                if [ -n "$ah" ] && grep -qxF "$ah" <<<"$keep_hashes"; then
+                  continue
+                fi
+                gh release delete-asset "$RELEASE_TAG" "$asset" --yes || true
+              done
+
+      # ----------------------------------------------------------------------
+      # Flasher-repo sync: OFF until the flasher supports channels (see header).
+      # Fails closed if enabled prematurely so the stable config.json can never
+      # be clobbered by this channel.
+      # ----------------------------------------------------------------------
+      - name: Checkout Flasher Repo
+        if: env.SYNC_FLASHER == 'true'
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        with:
+          repository: agessaman/flasher.meshcore.io
+          token: ${{ secrets.FLASHER_DISPATCH_TOKEN }}
+          path: flasher
+
+      - name: Update Flasher Config (plus channel)
+        if: env.SYNC_FLASHER == 'true'
+        run: |
+          # FAIL-CLOSED GUARD: running update-firmware.py as-is would rewrite
+          # the STABLE channel's config.json. Replace this block with the
+          # channel-aware invocation once the flasher repo supports it, e.g.:
+          #   python3 flasher/scripts/update-firmware.py \
+          #     --config flasher/config-plus.json \
+          #     "${{ steps.sha.outputs.short }}" "$GITHUB_WORKSPACE/firmware-notes.html"
+          echo "ERROR: flasher repo has no plus-channel support yet (see workflow header)." >&2
+          exit 1
+
+      - name: Generate Slim Per-Variant Manifests + Persist Build Counter (plus channel)
+        if: env.SYNC_FLASHER == 'true'
+        env:
+          BUILD_NUMBER: ${{ needs.enumerate.outputs.build_number }}
+        run: |
+          # Channel-isolated manifest namespace: these are what OTA_MANIFEST_BASE_URL
+          # points plus binaries at, so `ota update` stays within the channel.
+          python3 flasher/scripts/gen-slim-manifests.py \
+            --config flasher/config-plus.json \
+            --out-dir flasher/v-plus \
+            --base-version "$FIRMWARE_VERSION" \
+            --build "$BUILD_NUMBER" \
+            --partsig-dir out
+          printf '{\n  "baseVersion": "%s",\n  "build": %s\n}\n' \
+            "$FIRMWARE_VERSION" "$BUILD_NUMBER" > flasher/observer-plus-build-counter.json
+          echo "Build $FIRMWARE_VERSION.$BUILD_NUMBER"
+
+      - name: Generate Changelog (plus channel)
+        if: env.SYNC_FLASHER == 'true'
+        run: |
+          if [ "$(git rev-parse --is-shallow-repository)" = "true" ]; then
+            git fetch --unshallow --quiet
+          fi
+          # Plus channel keeps its own changelog; the stable CHANGELOG.md
+          # tracks the flex branch only.
+          python3 scripts/gen_changelog.py flasher/CHANGELOG-plus.md
+
+      # (No docs sync: the stable channel owns the flasher's docs pages.)
+
+      - name: Commit & Push Flasher Config
+        if: env.SYNC_FLASHER == 'true'
+        working-directory: flasher
+        run: |
+          git add -A
+          if git diff --cached --quiet; then
+            echo "No flasher changes to commit."
+            exit 0
+          fi
+          git config user.name "meshcore-bot"
+          git config user.email "noreply@gessaman.com"
+          git commit -m "Update observer+ firmware to ${{ steps.sha.outputs.short }} (build ${FIRMWARE_VERSION}.${{ needs.enumerate.outputs.build_number }})"
+          git push
@@ -10,33 +10,8 @@ on:
      - 'repeater-*'

 jobs:
-
-  build:
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-    steps:
-
-      - name: Clone Repo
-        uses: actions/checkout@v6
-
-      - name: Setup Build Environment
-        uses: ./.github/actions/setup-build-environment
-
-      - name: Build Firmwares
-        env:
-          FIRMWARE_VERSION: ${{ env.GIT_TAG_VERSION }}
-        run: /usr/bin/env bash build.sh build-repeater-firmwares
-
-      - name: Upload Workflow Artifacts
-        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v7
-        with:
-          name: repeater-firmwares
-          path: out
-
-      - name: Create Release
-        uses: softprops/action-gh-release@v3
-        if: startsWith(github.ref, 'refs/tags/')
-        with:
-          name: Repeater Firmware ${{ env.GIT_TAG_VERSION }}
-          body: ""
-          draft: true
-          files: out/*
+  build-repeater-firmwares:
+    uses: ./.github/workflows/firmware-builder.yml
+    with:
+      firmware_type: 'repeater'
+      release_title_prefix: 'Repeater Firmware'
@@ -10,33 +10,8 @@ on:
      - 'room-server-*'

 jobs:
-
-  build:
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-    steps:
-
-      - name: Clone Repo
-        uses: actions/checkout@v6
-
-      - name: Setup Build Environment
-        uses: ./.github/actions/setup-build-environment
-
-      - name: Build Firmwares
-        env:
-          FIRMWARE_VERSION: ${{ env.GIT_TAG_VERSION }}
-        run: /usr/bin/env bash build.sh build-room-server-firmwares
-
-      - name: Upload Workflow Artifacts
-        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v7
-        with:
-          name: room-server-firmwares
-          path: out
-
-      - name: Create Release
-        uses: softprops/action-gh-release@v3
-        if: startsWith(github.ref, 'refs/tags/')
-        with:
-          name: Room Server Firmware ${{ env.GIT_TAG_VERSION }}
-          body: ""
-          draft: true
-          files: out/*
+  build-room-server-firmwares:
+    uses: ./.github/workflows/firmware-builder.yml
+    with:
+      firmware_type: 'room-server'
+      release_title_prefix: 'Room Server Firmware'
@@ -0,0 +1,90 @@
+name: Check MQTT Preset Name Parity
+
+# Ensures observer-firmware and observer-firmware-dev share the same built-in
+# MQTT preset *names* (config details may differ). See scripts/check_mqtt_preset_parity.py.
+
+permissions:
+  contents: read
+
+on:
+  workflow_dispatch:
+  pull_request:
+    branches:
+      - observer-firmware
+      - observer-firmware-dev
+    paths:
+      - 'src/helpers/MQTTPresets.h'
+      - 'scripts/check_mqtt_preset_parity.py'
+      - '.github/workflows/check-mqtt-preset-parity.yml'
+  push:
+    branches:
+      - observer-firmware
+      - observer-firmware-dev
+    paths:
+      - 'src/helpers/MQTTPresets.h'
+      - 'scripts/check_mqtt_preset_parity.py'
+      - '.github/workflows/check-mqtt-preset-parity.yml'
+
+jobs:
+  parity:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+      - name: Clone Repo
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        with:
+          fetch-depth: 0
+
+      - name: Fetch channel branches
+        run: |
+          git fetch --no-tags origin observer-firmware observer-firmware-dev
+
+      - name: Materialize presets from both channels
+        env:
+          EVENT_NAME: ${{ github.event_name }}
+          PR_BASE: ${{ github.event.pull_request.base.ref }}
+          PR_HEAD_SHA: ${{ github.event.pull_request.head.sha }}
+        run: |
+          set -euo pipefail
+          PRESET_PATH=src/helpers/MQTTPresets.h
+          mkdir -p /tmp/preset-parity
+
+          if [ "$EVENT_NAME" = "pull_request" ]; then
+            # Ensure the PR head commit is reachable (merge checkout may not keep it).
+            git fetch --no-tags origin "$PR_HEAD_SHA"
+            # Proposed state of the PR's base channel vs current tip of the sibling.
+            git show "${PR_HEAD_SHA}:${PRESET_PATH}" > /tmp/preset-parity/pr-head.h
+            case "$PR_BASE" in
+              observer-firmware-dev)
+                cp /tmp/preset-parity/pr-head.h /tmp/preset-parity/dev.h
+                git show "origin/observer-firmware:${PRESET_PATH}" > /tmp/preset-parity/prod.h
+                ;;
+              observer-firmware)
+                git show "origin/observer-firmware-dev:${PRESET_PATH}" > /tmp/preset-parity/dev.h
+                cp /tmp/preset-parity/pr-head.h /tmp/preset-parity/prod.h
+                ;;
+              *)
+                echo "::error::unexpected PR base branch: $PR_BASE" >&2
+                exit 1
+                ;;
+            esac
+          else
+            # push / workflow_dispatch: compare current channel tips.
+            git show "origin/observer-firmware:${PRESET_PATH}" > /tmp/preset-parity/prod.h
+            git show "origin/observer-firmware-dev:${PRESET_PATH}" > /tmp/preset-parity/dev.h
+          fi
+
+          echo "=== production (observer-firmware) head preview ==="
+          head -n 5 /tmp/preset-parity/prod.h
+          echo "=== dev (observer-firmware-dev) head preview ==="
+          head -n 5 /tmp/preset-parity/dev.h
+
+      - name: Self-test checker
+        run: python3 scripts/check_mqtt_preset_parity.py --self-test
+
+      - name: Compare preset names
+        run: |
+          python3 scripts/check_mqtt_preset_parity.py \
+            /tmp/preset-parity/prod.h \
+            /tmp/preset-parity/dev.h \
+            --label-a observer-firmware \
+            --label-b observer-firmware-dev
@@ -0,0 +1,90 @@
+name: Firmware Builder
+
+on:
+  workflow_call:
+    inputs:
+      firmware_type:
+        required: true
+        type: string
+      release_title_prefix:
+        required: true
+        type: string
+
+jobs:
+
+  generate-build-matrix:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    outputs:
+      targets: ${{ steps.get-build-targets.outputs.targets }}
+    steps:
+
+      - name: Clone Repo
+        uses: actions/checkout@v6
+
+      - name: Setup Build Environment
+        uses: ./.github/actions/setup-build-environment
+
+      - name: Get Build Targets
+        id: get-build-targets
+        run: |
+          # get list of firmwares to build
+          TARGET_LIST=$(/usr/bin/env bash build.sh get-${{ inputs.firmware_type }}-firmwares-to-build)
+
+          # convert targets separated by new line into a json array string
+          JSON_ARRAY=$(echo "$TARGET_LIST" | jq -R -s -c 'split("\n") | map(select(length > 0))')
+
+          # use json array as targets result
+          echo "targets=$JSON_ARRAY" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
+
+  build:
+    needs: generate-build-matrix
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    continue-on-error: true # don't fail entire build if one board fails to build
+    strategy:
+      matrix:
+        target: ${{ fromJson(needs.generate-build-matrix.outputs.targets) }}
+      fail-fast: false # don't cancel other builds if one board fails to build
+    steps:
+
+      - name: Clone Repo
+        uses: actions/checkout@v6
+
+      - name: Setup Build Environment
+        uses: ./.github/actions/setup-build-environment
+
+      - name: Build Firmware
+        env:
+          FIRMWARE_VERSION: ${{ env.GIT_TAG_VERSION }}
+        run: /usr/bin/env bash build.sh build-firmware ${{ matrix.target }}
+
+      - name: Upload Workflow Artifacts
+        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v7
+        with:
+          name: "${{ matrix.target }}"
+          path: out
+
+  create-release:
+    needs: build
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    if: startsWith(github.ref, 'refs/tags/') # only create release for tagged builds
+    steps:
+
+      - name: Clone Repo
+        uses: actions/checkout@v6
+
+      - name: Setup Build Environment
+        uses: ./.github/actions/setup-build-environment
+
+      - name: Download All Artifacts
+        uses: actions/download-artifact@v8
+        with:
+          merge-multiple: true
+          path: out
+
+      - name: Create Release
+        uses: softprops/action-gh-release@v3
+        with:
+          name: "${{ inputs.release_title_prefix }} ${{ env.GIT_TAG_VERSION }}"
+          body: ""
+          draft: true
+          files: out/*
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ on:
  push:
    branches:
      - main
+      - keymindCascade

 permissions:
  contents: write
@@ -23,6 +24,11 @@ jobs:
          python-version: '3.13'

      - name: Build
+        env:
+          MKDOCS_SITE_URL: https://${{ github.repository_owner }}.github.io/${{ github.event.repository.name }}/
+          MKDOCS_REPO_NAME: ${{ github.repository }}
+          MKDOCS_REPO_URL: https://github.com/${{ github.repository }}/
+          MKDOCS_EDIT_URI: edit/${{ github.ref_name }}/docs/
        run: |
          pip install mkdocs-material
          mkdocs build
@@ -31,6 +37,8 @@ jobs:
        uses: peaceiris/actions-gh-pages@v4.1.0
        with:
          github_token: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
-          cname: docs.meshcore.io
+          # Preserve the upstream custom domain, but let forks publish at their
+          # normal <owner>.github.io/<repo>/ URL without claiming that domain.
+          cname: ${{ github.repository_owner == 'meshcore-dev' && 'docs.meshcore.io' || '' }}
          publish_dir: ./site
          publish_branch: 'gh-pages'
@@ -5,17 +5,35 @@ on:
    branches: [main, dev]
    paths:
      - 'src/**'
+      - 'include/**'
+      - 'lib/**'
      - 'examples/**'
      - 'variants/**'
+      - 'boards/**'
+      - 'arch/**'
+      - 'scripts/**'
+      - 'ssl_certs/**'
+      - 'webui/**'
+      - 'default_8MB.csv'
      - 'platformio.ini'
+      - '.github/actions/setup-build-environment/**'
      - '.github/workflows/pr-build-check.yml'
  push:
    branches: [main, dev]
    paths:
      - 'src/**'
+      - 'include/**'
+      - 'lib/**'
      - 'examples/**'
      - 'variants/**'
+      - 'boards/**'
+      - 'arch/**'
+      - 'scripts/**'
+      - 'ssl_certs/**'
+      - 'webui/**'
+      - 'default_8MB.csv'
      - 'platformio.ini'
+      - '.github/actions/setup-build-environment/**'
      - '.github/workflows/pr-build-check.yml'

 jobs:
@@ -29,10 +47,16 @@ jobs:
          - Heltec_v3_companion_radio_ble
          - Heltec_v3_repeater
          - Heltec_v3_room_server
+          # MQTT observer smoke builds: internal RAM and PSRAM coverage.
+          - Heltec_v3_repeater_observer_mqtt
+          - T_Beam_S3_Supreme_SX1262_repeater_observer_mqtt
          # nRF52
          - RAK_4631_companion_radio_ble
+          - RAK_4631_companion_radio_ethernet
          - RAK_4631_repeater
+          - RAK_4631_repeater_ethernet
          - RAK_4631_room_server
+          - RAK_4631_room_server_ethernet
          # RP2040
          - PicoW_repeater
          # STM32
@@ -19,8 +19,13 @@ jobs:
      - name: Setup Build Environment
        uses: ./.github/actions/setup-build-environment

+      - name: Verify ArduinoJson pin
+        run: |
+          python3 -B scripts/check_arduinojson_pin.py --self-test
+          python3 -B scripts/check_arduinojson_pin.py
+
      - name: Run Unit Tests
-        run: pio test -e native -vv
+        run: pio test -e native -e native_kiss_modem -vv

      - name: Upload Test Results
        # Upload test results even if the test step failed.
@@ -0,0 +1,116 @@
+name: Sync Flasher Docs & Changelog
+
+# Pushes the observer docs and the regenerated changelog to the flasher site
+# WITHOUT rebuilding firmware. Companion to build-observer-firmwares.yml:
+#   - code changes        -> build-observer-firmwares.yml (builds + syncs everything)
+#   - doc / markdown edits -> this workflow (fast sync only, no firmware rebuild)
+# Keep the synced file list and trigger paths in step with the build workflow's
+# "Sync Docs into Flasher" step and with LOCAL_DOCS in flasher/docs.html.
+
+permissions:
+  contents: read
+
+on:
+  workflow_dispatch:
+  push:
+    branches:
+      - observer-firmware
+    paths:
+      - '**.md'
+      - 'docs/**'
+      - 'scripts/gen_changelog.py'
+      # /webconfig frames the real portal page against a browser simulator, so
+      # the page itself is a synced doc asset like the .md files above.
+      - 'webui/index.html'
+
+# Own group: serialize doc syncs against each other only. Deliberately NOT shared
+# with build-observer-firmwares.yml -- a shared group let one workflow cancel the
+# other's pending run (a mixed code+docs commit triggers both). Concurrent flasher
+# pushes are handled by the rebase-retry in "Commit & Push Flasher Content".
+concurrency:
+  group: flasher-docs-sync
+  cancel-in-progress: false
+
+jobs:
+  sync:
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+      - name: Clone Repo
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        with:
+          # full history so scripts/gen_changelog.py can read the branch commit log
+          fetch-depth: 0
+
+      - name: Checkout Flasher Repo
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        with:
+          repository: agessaman/flasher.meshcore.io
+          token: ${{ secrets.FLASHER_DISPATCH_TOKEN }}
+          path: flasher
+
+      - name: Sync Docs into Flasher
+        run: |
+          # docs.html on the flasher site serves these raw .md files and renders
+          # them client-side; keep this list in sync with LOCAL_DOCS in
+          # flasher/docs.html and the build workflow's sync step.
+          for f in MQTT_IMPLEMENTATION.md MQTT_SNMP.md ALERTS.md; do
+            if [ -f "$f" ]; then
+              cp -f "$f" "flasher/$f"
+              echo "synced $f"
+            else
+              echo "WARNING: source doc $f not found" >&2
+            fi
+          done
+
+      - name: Sync the WebConfig Portal Page into Flasher
+        run: |
+          # flasher/webconfig.html embeds the REAL portal page in a device
+          # surround and runs it against lib/webconfig-sim.js, which intercepts
+          # fetch() so no device is needed. Syncing the page is what keeps that
+          # demo honest -- the alternative is screenshots, which go stale without
+          # anyone noticing. The build script only injects a <script> tag; it
+          # refuses a page that already carries the simulator.
+          if [ -f webui/index.html ]; then
+            python3 flasher/scripts/build-webconfig-demo.py webui/index.html
+            echo "rebuilt flasher/webconfig-demo.html from webui/index.html"
+          else
+            echo "WARNING: webui/index.html not found; leaving the demo as-is" >&2
+          fi
+
+      - name: Generate Changelog
+        run: |
+          # Append-only and idempotent; preserves the hand-curated history and
+          # hash manifest already in flasher/CHANGELOG.md. changelog.html renders it.
+          python3 scripts/gen_changelog.py flasher/CHANGELOG.md
+
+      - name: Commit & Push Flasher Content
+        working-directory: flasher
+        run: |
+          if git diff --quiet; then
+            echo "No flasher changes to commit."
+            exit 0
+          fi
+          git config user.name "meshcore-bot"
+          git config user.email "noreply@gessaman.com"
+          git commit -am "Sync docs & changelog from MeshCore ${GITHUB_SHA::7}"
+          # build-observer-firmwares.yml can be pushing the same docs/changelog
+          # right now (a mixed code+docs commit triggers both), so a non-fast-forward
+          # is expected rather than fatal: rebase onto its commit and retry. If the
+          # rebase leaves nothing, git reports up-to-date and we exit clean.
+          br=$(git rev-parse --abbrev-ref HEAD)
+          for attempt in 1 2 3; do
+            if git push origin "HEAD:$br"; then
+              exit 0
+            fi
+            echo "push rejected (attempt $attempt); rebasing onto origin/$br"
+            git fetch origin "$br"
+            # --autostash so a dirty tree can never make the rebase refuse to run;
+            # nothing unstaged gets published either way.
+            git rebase --autostash "origin/$br" || {
+              git rebase --abort || true
+              echo "::error::flasher rebase conflicted; re-run this workflow to resync"
+              exit 1
+            }
+          done
+          echo "::error::could not push flasher changes after 3 attempts"
+          exit 1
@@ -1,10 +1,16 @@
 .direnv
 .pio
+.build-wt-*
 .vscode/.browse.c_cpp.db*
 .vscode/c_cpp_properties.json
 .vscode/launch.json
 .vscode/ipch
 out/
+site/
+# Local firmware archives and build logs
+out.*/
+out-*/
+build-logs/
 .direnv/
 .DS_Store
 .vscode/settings.json
@@ -16,4 +22,19 @@ cmake-*
 compile_commands.json
 .venv/
 venv/
+# Script-generated cert bundles (see scripts/generate_cert_bundle.py)
+src/certs/x509_crt_bundle.bin
+src/helpers/esp32/WebConfigHtml.h
+ssl_certs/cacert.pem
 platformio.local.ini
+.cursor/*
+.claude/*
+.cursorrules
+__pycache__/
+# Worktrees checked out inside the repo. Committing one adds a stray gitlink
+# that makes every CI checkout warn "No url found for submodule path ... in
+# .gitmodules", and leaves `git status` permanently dirty so the next `git add
+# -A` re-commits it. .wt-* covers the hand-made ones; .build-wt-* the CI ones.
+.build-wt-*/
+.wt-*/
+scripts/__pycache__/*
@@ -1,9 +0,0 @@
-{
-    "recommendations": [
-        "pioarduino.pioarduino-ide",
-        "platformio.platformio-ide"
-    ],
-    "unwantedRecommendations": [
-        "ms-vscode.cpptools-extension-pack"
-    ]
-}
@@ -0,0 +1,125 @@
+# Fault Alerts (Group Channel)
+
+This document describes MeshCore repeater fault alerts, including configuration, CLI commands, and operational behavior.
+
+The repeater can broadcast a one-line fault notification on a configured group channel when WiFi or any active MQTT slot has been disconnected longer than a configurable threshold.
+
+The alert is sent over **LoRa** as a `PAYLOAD_TYPE_GRP_TXT` flood packet on the configured channel (with sender = device name) - *not* over MQTT. This is intentional: the MQTT path is what's broken, so the only working delivery is the mesh itself. Anyone in radio range subscribed to the same channel/hashtag in their companion app will see the alert inline with normal channel chat.
+
+> **A small list of community channels is intentionally NOT supported.** Fault alerts are operator-infrastructure noise - broadcasting them on shared community channels would spam every node in the area (and on `#test` / `#bot` would amplify via well-known auto-responders). The currently banned destinations are:
+>
+> - The well-known **Public** group PSK (`izOH6cXN6mrJ5e26oRXNcg==`)
+> - **`#test`** (`sha256("#test")[0..15]`)
+> - **`#bot`** (`sha256("#bot")[0..15]`)
+>
+> The list lives in `BANNED_ALERT_CHANNELS[]` in [src/helpers/AlertReporter.cpp](src/helpers/AlertReporter.cpp); adding a new entry is one line (label + 32 hex chars). The matcher runs at both the CLI validation step (`set alert.psk`, `set alert.hashtag`) and the alert-send path, so a saved-config bypass is still refused at runtime. You must point alerts at a **private PSK** (`set alert.psk`) or a non-banned **hashtag channel** (`set alert.hashtag`) before alerts can fire.
+
+## Scope and routing
+
+Alert floods ride the **repeater's default scope** by default (the same TransportKey used for adverts and channel broadcasts - set via `region default ...`). Operators can override on a per-alert-feature basis with `set alert.region <name>`:
+
+- If `alert.region` is set and the name resolves via `RegionMap`, that region's TransportKey is used.
+- If `alert.region` is unset, or the name doesn't resolve, the repeater's `default_scope` is used.
+- If both are null, the alert is sent unscoped (matches the pre-scoped firmware's behavior).
+
+`alert.region` is stored as-is - it does **not** create the region. Use `region put <name>` first if it doesn't exist.
+
+## What triggers an alert
+
+- **WiFi**: continuously down for at least `alert.wifi` minutes (default 30)
+- **MQTT slot N**: enabled, has connected at least once since boot, and has been disconnected for at least `alert.mqtt` minutes (default 240, i.e. 4 h)
+
+A "recovered" message is sent once when the underlying connection comes back. After firing, a fault is rate-limited by `alert.interval` (default 60 minutes) before it can re-fire - this prevents flapping links from spamming the channel.
+
+## OTA milestone alerts
+
+Key `ota update` milestones are also broadcast on the alert channel (in addition to the Serial log), so an operator who triggered the update via remote management still gets feedback: the real OTA work runs ~2.5 s after the command and reboots on success, both **outside** the command's reply window.
+
+- **Start** - `OTA update starting`, sent when the update is confirmed and scheduled (during the reply window, so it transmits before the flash blocks the loop).
+- **Fail/abort** - `OTA aborted: MQTT stop unclean, bridge resumed` (the teardown barrier withheld flashing) or `OTA aborted: <reason>` (preflight/download error). The bridge is resumed either way.
+- **Success** has no dedicated message: a successful flash reboots into the new image, so the node reappearing on the new version is the success signal.
+
+These share the alert channel, scope (`alert.region`), and the `alert` master switch with fault alerts - if `alert` is `off` or no channel is configured, OTA milestones are silent. Unlike fault alerts they are **not** rate-limited (OTA is operator-initiated and rare), and they are limited to these start/fail milestones - routine MQTT slot connect/disconnect never triggers an OTA alert.
+
+## Defaults
+
+| Setting | Default | Notes |
+|---------|---------|-------|
+| `alert` | `off` | Master enable for automatic fault alerts |
+| `alert.psk` | *(unset)* | Private channel secret as **32 hex chars** (16-byte channel key) - the same format the mobile app's "Share Channel" emits, and what every other secret-shaped CLI command (e.g. `prv.key`) uses. |
+| `alert.hashtag` | *(unset)* | Informational only; set via `set alert.hashtag` to pre-derive `alert.psk` from `sha256("#name")[0..15]`. Cleared when `alert.psk` is set directly. |
+| `alert.region` | *(unset)* | Optional region name; overrides the repeater's `default_scope` for alert sends only. Empty = use `default_scope`. Looked up lazily via `RegionMap`; unknown names silently fall back to `default_scope`. |
+| `alert.wifi` | `30` (min) | 0 disables WiFi alerts |
+| `alert.mqtt` | `240` (min) | 0 disables MQTT alerts |
+| `alert.interval` | `60` (min) | Minutes between repeat alerts of the same fault. **Hard floor of 60 min** so a flapping link can't spam the mesh; the CLI rejects lower values and AlertReporter clamps stale prefs at runtime. |
+
+> `alert.psk` is unset on a fresh flash. **Alerts cannot fire and `alert test` will refuse to send until you configure either `alert.psk` directly or `alert.hashtag` (which derives one).** The sender shown on outgoing alert messages is always the node name (`set name ...`); there is no separate `alert.name`.
+
+## CLI
+
+Get:
+- `get alert` - master on/off
+- `get alert.psk` - the active 32-hex-char PSK (or `(unset)`) (**serial console only**)
+- `get alert.hashtag` - the originating hashtag (or `(unset)`, e.g. after `set alert.psk` overrides the hashtag-derived key)
+- `get alert.region` - alert-only scope override (or `(unset, using default scope)`)
+- `get alert.wifi` / `get alert.mqtt` / `get alert.interval`
+
+Set:
+- `set alert on` / `set alert off`
+- `set alert.psk <hex>` - 32 hex chars (16-byte channel secret); rejects banned channels (Public, `#test`, `#bot`). Paste the mobile app's "Share Channel" output as-is. Clears `alert.hashtag` since the new key is operator-supplied.
+- `set alert.psk` (no argument) - clears both `alert.psk` and `alert.hashtag`
+- `set alert.hashtag <name>` - derives the 16-byte key from `sha256("#name")` *once*, stores it as `alert.psk`, and remembers the hashtag for `get alert.hashtag`. `#` prefix is added if omitted (so `alerts` and `#alerts` are equivalent). Refuses banned hashtag names.
+- `set alert.hashtag` (no argument) - clears both `alert.psk` and `alert.hashtag`
+- `set alert.region <name>` - alert-only scope override (no region-map mutation; unknown names silently fall back to `default_scope`)
+- `set alert.region` (no argument) - clear override, use `default_scope`
+- `set alert.wifi <minutes>` (0-1440; 0 = disabled)
+- `set alert.mqtt <minutes>` (0-10080; 0 = disabled)
+- `set alert.interval <minutes>` (60-10080; 60-minute floor to protect mesh airtime)
+
+Action:
+- `alert test` - send a one-off `[test] alert channel ok` immediately on the configured channel; ignores `alert on/off` so operators can verify the channel before enabling fault firing. Returns an error if no channel is configured. If the send succeeds but the `alert` master switch is still `off`, the reply says so (`OK - test sent, but automatic alerts are OFF`) - a working test alone does **not** mean automatic WiFi/MQTT/OTA alerts will fire.
+- `alert test <message>` - send a custom test message: `[test] <message>`.
+
+## Example: dedicated hashtag channel (recommended for operator groups)
+
+```bash
+set alert.hashtag ops-alerts   # stored as "#ops-alerts"; key = sha256("#ops-alerts")[0..15]
+set alert.wifi 10              # tighter for ops monitoring
+set alert.mqtt 60
+set alert on
+alert test
+```
+
+Anyone running a companion app and subscribed to the `#ops-alerts` hashtag channel will see the alerts inline.
+
+## Example: dedicated alerts channel with a private PSK
+
+Generate a 16-byte random PSK as 32 hex chars (`openssl rand -hex 16`), or use the companion app's "Add channel" feature and copy the "Share Channel" output. Then:
+
+```bash
+set alert.psk <32_hex_chars>   # 16-byte channel secret; mobile "Share Channel" pastes in directly
+set alert.wifi 10
+set alert.mqtt 60
+set alert on
+alert test
+```
+
+Subscribers running a MeshCore companion app should add a channel with the same PSK; alerts will appear in that channel's chat view. (Pick any local name for it - the sender of incoming alert messages is the repeater's node name.)
+
+## Sample messages
+
+```
+MyObserver: WiFi down 47m (reason 201)
+MyObserver: WiFi recovered after 1h3m
+MyObserver: MQTT slot 1 (analyzer-us) down 4h12m
+MyObserver: MQTT slot 1 (analyzer-us) recovered after 4h45m
+```
+
+## Notes
+
+- A reboot during an outage resets the timer; the alert won't double-fire because `millis()` starts at 0 at boot. The fault must persist `alert.wifi` / `alert.mqtt` minutes from boot.
+- Fault state is stored in RAM only - no persistence across reboots.
+- The MQTT-slot watcher uses a separate per-slot `current_outage_started_ms` field that is reset on each reconnect, distinct from the `first_disconnect_time` shown in `mqttN.diag` (which remains a "first disconnect since boot" counter for diagnostics).
+- WiFi-down alerts can only be delivered if the LoRa radio is up. There is no fallback path.
+- Banned channels (Public, `#test`, `#bot`) are **rejected** at both `set alert.psk` / `set alert.hashtag` and at the alert-send path, so even if you somehow set one via a saved config file, the firmware will silently refuse to broadcast on it. To add another banned channel, append a row to `BANNED_ALERT_CHANNELS[]` in [src/helpers/AlertReporter.cpp](src/helpers/AlertReporter.cpp); the format is `{ "label", "32-lowercase-hex-chars" }` (compute as `printf '#name' | openssl dgst -sha256 | cut -c1-32`).
+- Alerts are sent via `sendFlood` with the resolved TransportKey codes attached, so they appear on the configured scope just like other broadcast traffic. Operators monitoring a specific region need to be subscribed to that region's scope to hear alerts.
@@ -0,0 +1,277 @@
+# MeshCore Observer - Changelog
+
+Changes to the MQTT observer / bridge work that powers the firmware offered on
+[observer.gessaman.com](https://observer.gessaman.com/). Newest changes are at the top.
+
+**Legend:** **New** = new capability * **Fix** = bug fix * **Improvement** = enhancement to
+existing behavior * **Internal** = refactor / under-the-hood * **Docs** = documentation *
+**Build** / **CI** = build system & automation. **[UP] Upstream sync** marks a merge of the
+upstream MeshCore `dev` branch, which generally pulls in a new MeshCore software version.
+
+### August 2026
+
+- **Improvement** - Added a WebConfig CLI terminal, tightened command failure/reboot handling, stopped secret reads, and enforced the setup password  <sub>2026-08-08 * `d7109c18`, `c831e599`, `8abe26ba`</sub>
+- **New** * `mqtt` - Added IdahoMesh, GoMesh, okimesh, and atvirastinklas presets; expanded the built-in preset table to 31 entries  <sub>2026-08-08 * `da37b6eb`, `3b11540e`, `73faa30c`, `dbee39b5`</sub>
+- **New** - Enabled online OTA for Station G3 observer builds  <sub>2026-08-08 * `5000391c`</sub>
+- **New** - Configurable repeater telemetry history plus the browser decoder  <sub>2026-08-05 * `3ba0fb18`, `64f99420`</sub>
+- **Improvement** * `mqtt-neighbors` - Enabled neighbor publication on opted-in non-PSRAM observers and fixed unusable heard ages  <sub>2026-08-03 * `a3a0a94d`, `5828a3c5`</sub>
+- **Fix** - Restored nRF52 builds after observer-only dependencies leaked into the common build path  <sub>2026-08-03 * `45379ad7`</sub>
+- [UP] **Upstream sync** - Promoted the observer channel onto MeshCore v1.17.0-era upstream changes  <sub>2026-08-09 * `b744b42a`</sub>
+
+### July 2026
+
+- **New** * `webconfig` - Added the ESP32 WebConfig portal, request/result correlation, batch-state tests, and administrator-password management  <sub>2026-07-21 * `a7c1cc63`, `dc44311e`, `cece565e`, `675bc6b5`</sub>
+- **Fix** * `mqtt` - Added cooperative MQTT shutdown, a clean-stop OTA barrier, and a hardware-derived slot-scaled stop timeout  <sub>2026-07-19 * `2e1a1410`, `7767760f`</sub>
+- **New** * `mqtt` - Added periodic neighbor publication, host-tested JSON construction, preferences, and WebConfig controls  <sub>2026-07-19 * `de320bc4`, `e36aee04`, `8d7a47ab`, `d6f8a871`</sub>
+- **Fix** * `mqtt` - Made preference migration power-loss recoverable, restored PSRAM buffers after restart, and added representative CI firmware guardrails  <sub>2026-07-18 * `1be09b9b`, `b5deaf93`, `7b60ee70`</sub>
+- **New** * `mqtt` - Added per-slot packet allowlists with named payload types and downgrade-safe preference handling  <sub>2026-07-28 * `e00b29b4`, `52bd2719`, `ecbb5005`</sub>
+- **New** - Added standalone WebConfig CLI controls and shared Wi-Fi OTA-seeder policy for Full ESP32 roles  <sub>2026-07-29 * `a6ace607`, `e6abf3ea`</sub>
+- **Fix** * `mqtt` - Preserved observer capture and remote administration when duty-cycle throttling fills the packet pool  <sub>2026-07-09 * `1c9c6292`, `847be34e`</sub>
+- [UP] **Upstream sync** - Synced the observer development channel with upstream dev through 2026-07-30  <sub>2026-07-30 * `612c5213`</sub>
+
+### June 2026
+
+- **Fix** * `kiss_modem` - Prevented USB TX backpressure from stalling the modem and added its separate native CI suite  <sub>2026-06-23 * `fb2c61f8`, `39ff5b87`</sub>
+- **New** - AlertReporter integration in MyMesh for Room Server <sub>2026-06-17 * `985fda13`</sub>
+- **Improvement** - Cumulative packet statistics (`packets_sent` / `packets_received`) added to the status message  <sub>2026-06-16 * `8bf590b1`</sub>
+- **Improvement** - Packet path now published as an array of lowercase hex hop tokens  <sub>2026-06-16 * `e80a5ded`</sub>
+- **CI** - Sync documentation files to the flasher site from the build workflow  <sub>2026-06-16 * `0844eee1`</sub>
+- **CI** - Reworked the GitHub Actions workflow for rolling releases  <sub>2026-06-08 * `8fa38707`</sub>
+- **New** - Radio Watchdog feature for the MQTT observer  <sub>2026-06-08 * `002e8d4a`</sub>
+- **Improvement** - Firmware build-date format and UTC timestamps (always emit `+00:00`)  <sub>2026-06-06 * `b45373a3`</sub>
+- **CI** - Build observer firmwares across 14 shards (up from 4)  <sub>2026-06-06 * `c29ede05`</sub>
+- **CI** - Cache PlatformIO toolchains in CI  <sub>2026-06-06 * `6723776f`</sub>
+- **CI** - Automated firmware builds via GitHub Actions  <sub>2026-06-06 * `981ed246`</sub>
+- [UP] **Upstream sync** - Synced with upstream MeshCore dev (brings MeshCore v1.16.0)  <sub>2026-06-06 * `dcc8f826`</sub>
+
+### May 2026
+
+- **New** - NZ Analyzer MQTT preset  <sub>2026-05-25 * `c0c845f5`</sub>
+- **Internal** - Region definition helpers; docs refresh  <sub>2026-05-21 * `1296aa77`</sub>
+- **Docs** - Clarified WiFi configuration instructions (password optional for open networks)  <sub>2026-05-21 * `38568eb1`</sub>
+- **Improvement** - Alert PSK access now restricted by sender timestamp  <sub>2026-05-17 * `f717d673`</sub>
+- **Docs** - Trimmed the fault-alert section in the implementation guide  <sub>2026-05-17 * `c41805d0`</sub>
+- **Change** - Renamed CLI command `region bulk` -> `region def`  <sub>2026-05-16 * `f3c6c348`</sub>
+- **Internal** - Timestamp handling in MQTTMessageBuilder  <sub>2026-05-15 * `5a004f37`</sub>
+- **New** - T-LoRa V2.1-1.6 observer configurations  <sub>2026-05-13 * `3cde9c10`</sub>
+- **Fix** * `mqtt` - Hardened the T-LoRa MQTT observer and trimmed MQTT task stack usage  <sub>2026-05-13 * `daf9ee47`</sub>
+- **Internal** - Alert PSK handling is now hex-only  <sub>2026-05-12 * `a8668840`</sub>
+- **Improvement** - Alert PSK accepts both base64 and hex  <sub>2026-05-12 * `a865d0a3`</sub>
+- **New** * `cli` - Bulk region hierarchy command  <sub>2026-05-12 * `19f95001`</sub>
+- **Improvement** - Path hash size included in AlertReporter flood messages  <sub>2026-05-11 * `6a3ed5d4`</sub>
+- **New** - T-Beam 1W observer support and partition handling  <sub>2026-05-11 * `fc99d6b3`</sub>
+- **Improvement** - Fault alerts gained region-based scoping and banned channels  <sub>2026-05-11 * `16dc49fa`</sub>
+- **New** - Fault alerts for WiFi and MQTT disconnections  <sub>2026-05-10 * `80355f32`</sub>
+- **New** - ColoradoMesh MQTT preset  <sub>2026-05-10 * `08847342`</sub>
+- **New** - MQTT origin handling and a string utility  <sub>2026-05-09 * `b9f478c9`</sub>
+- **Improvement** - Repeat status included in the MQTT status message  <sub>2026-05-09 * `303cf8c2`</sub>
+- **Internal** - MQTT origin now uses effective-origin logic  <sub>2026-05-09 * `ff031f48`</sub>
+- [UP] **Upstream sync** - Synced with upstream MeshCore dev  <sub>2026-05-09 * `b37db668`</sub>
+- **New** * `mqtt` - T-LoRa V2.1-1.6 observer environments  <sub>2026-05-02 * `78e1500a`</sub>
+
+### April 2026
+
+- **Fix** * `mqtt` - Corrected ColoradoMesh preset details  <sub>2026-04-30 * `9f8f2d05`</sub>
+- **New** * `platformio` - PSRAM support for the TBeam Supreme SX1262 variant  <sub>2026-04-28 * `0b05aede`</sub>
+- **New** * `mqtt` - ColoradoMesh preset  <sub>2026-04-28 * `457edf69`</sub>
+- **Fix** * `mqtt` - Added missing MQTTBridge error codes  <sub>2026-04-27 * `5a5e5373`</sub>
+- **New** * `mqtt` - EastIdahoMesh preset and richer CLI preset listing  <sub>2026-04-25 * `753eb72f`</sub>
+- **Fix** * `mqtt` - Removed errant `clearLastWill` from PsychicMqttClient  <sub>2026-04-25 * `32449e62`</sub>
+- **Fix** * `mqtt` - Restored `origin` field position in packet messages  <sub>2026-04-25 * `673361b6`</sub>
+- **Internal** * `mqtt` - Reorganized packet message structure  <sub>2026-04-25 * `8be27e4e`</sub>
+- **Internal** * `mqtt` - Default TX packet settings and documentation  <sub>2026-04-25 * `bfcf0176`</sub>
+- **New** * `platformio` - MQTT observer configs for the Heltec V4 expansion kit  <sub>2026-04-24 * `0a4f002f`</sub>
+- **New** * `cli` - Radio watchdog command  <sub>2026-04-24 * `7b21be3e`</sub>
+- **Internal** * `mqtt` - Standardized MQTT preset formatting  <sub>2026-04-24 * `6211885c`</sub>
+- **Internal** * `heltec_tracker_v2` - Aligned FEM with meshcore-dev KCT8103L  <sub>2026-04-24 * `0d280257`</sub>
+- **New** * `heltec_tracker_v2` - Restored LoRaFEMControl for GC1109  <sub>2026-04-24 * `255fce7f`</sub>
+- [UP] **Upstream sync** - Synced with upstream MeshCore dev  <sub>2026-04-24 * `c1989d6f`</sub>
+- **New** * `mqtt` - chimesh and meshat.se presets  <sub>2026-04-24 * `ee4e39bc`</sub>
+- **Fix** * `mqtt` - Restored legacy outbox behavior for QoS0 async publishes  <sub>2026-04-23 * `70722a58`</sub>
+- **Fix** * `mqtt` - Config marked dirty on setter calls; applied on connect/reconnect  <sub>2026-04-23 * `bb67b04e`</sub>
+- **Improvement** * `mqtt` - Better QoS handling and retry logic  <sub>2026-04-23 * `7d0c5bce`</sub>
+- **Internal** * `mqtt` - Removed legacy `mqtt.server`/`port`/`username`/`password` CLI  <sub>2026-04-21 * `cfec3a5b`</sub>
+- **Fix** * `mqtt` - Legacy CLI aligned with slot prefs; restored `isConfigValid`  <sub>2026-04-21 * `ac2662c5`</sub>
+- **Internal** - PsychicMqttClient memory management; fixed-size callback arrays (v0.2.2)  <sub>2026-04-21 * `e9ff1ae0`</sub>
+- **Improvement** - MQTTBridge memory management, deferred logging, and QoS on publish  <sub>2026-04-19 * `1ff9437f`</sub>
+- [UP] **Upstream sync** - Synced with upstream MeshCore dev  <sub>2026-04-19 * `563d9a7d`</sub>
+- **Build** - Disabled MQTT debug config for heltec_v4 builds  <sub>2026-04-17 * `0ed29cb7`</sub>
+- **Change** - gitignore generated cert files; meshmapper timeout reset to 0  <sub>2026-04-17 * `ab121708`</sub>
+- **Change** - MeshMapper preset update; removed generated cert files  <sub>2026-04-17 * `074ac3e7`</sub>
+- **Improvement** - Critical heap monitoring and deferred TLS; hard restart on prolonged low memory  <sub>2026-04-17 * `f4a4fd7c`</sub>
+- **Internal** - Inline `StaticJsonDocument` allocations to reduce heap fragmentation  <sub>2026-04-16 * `ab6685a1`</sub>
+- **New** - nashmesh preset  <sub>2026-04-14 * `13fbcd91`</sub>
+- **Internal** - MQTTMessageBuilder takes an external JsonDocument to cut stack usage  <sub>2026-04-14 * `ff2df2b7`</sub>
+- **Internal** - Removed the raw-data mutex in favor of core-specific staging  <sub>2026-04-14 * `0c190dac`</sub>
+- **Improvement** - Radio watchdog avoids false alarms in quiet meshes  <sub>2026-04-14 * `961f8293`</sub>
+- **New** - Radio diagnostics in MyMesh and CommonCLI  <sub>2026-04-10 * `7e4f75c9`</sub>
+- **Improvement** - Internal heap stats in status messages  <sub>2026-04-06 * `74e45a79`</sub>
+- **New** - TennMesh preset (fixed username/password auth)  <sub>2026-04-05 * `3b46e9ee`</sub>
+- **Docs** - Single `set radio` command in the guide  <sub>2026-04-04 * `1c524a93`</sub>
+- **Internal** - RX/TX packet logging controlled by MQTT settings (`mqtt_rx_enabled` pref)  <sub>2026-04-04 * `47b632aa`</sub>
+- **Improvement** - Runtime-configurable MQTT slot limits based on PSRAM  <sub>2026-04-04 * `258a0d72`</sub>
+- **Improvement** - Disconnect count/time diagnostics; per-variant WiFi TX power  <sub>2026-04-02 * `f0962eff`</sub>
+
+### March 2026
+
+- **Improvement** - Pre-allocated status JSON buffer in PSRAM; non-blocking NTP refresh  <sub>2026-03-31 * `cf4ec3f6`</sub>
+- **New** - WiFi disconnect diagnostics  <sub>2026-03-31 * `0e82271e`</sub>
+- **Fix** - Audience command parsing handles the 9-character prefix  <sub>2026-03-30 * `a4324a83`</sub>
+- **New** - JWT audience configuration for custom slots  <sub>2026-03-30 * `1263e71d`</sub>
+- **Improvement** - Partition-table guidance, merged-firmware flashing, embedded CA bundle  <sub>2026-03-30 * `da775bb2`</sub>
+- **Docs** - Removed obsolete MQTT design docs  <sub>2026-03-28 * `384b80fc`</sub>
+- **Docs** - README links to the MQTT Implementation Guide  <sub>2026-03-28 * `ff49d28f`</sub>
+- **New** - Optional SNMP monitoring; concurrent MQTT slots 3 -> 5  <sub>2026-03-28 * `202acacf`</sub>
+- [UP] **Upstream sync** - Synced with upstream MeshCore dev  <sub>2026-03-28 * `cc17c6b7`</sub>
+- **New** - meshomatic preset; disable slots with no server configured  <sub>2026-03-27 * `3eacf56e`</sub>
+- **Improvement** - Pre-allocated JSON publish buffer in PSRAM  <sub>2026-03-26 * `47dd2182`</sub>
+- **New** - `reconnect()` added to PsychicMqttClient  <sub>2026-03-25 * `1b5884bd`</sub>
+- **Improvement** - Lightweight JWT reconnect (token refresh without full teardown)  <sub>2026-03-25 * `af52a989`</sub>
+- **Internal** - Full teardown/setup for JWT slots on reconnect  <sub>2026-03-24 * `e29c3d96`</sub>
+- **Internal** - Standardized MQTT slot log format  <sub>2026-03-24 * `2bbca206`</sub>
+- **New** - cascadiamesh preset; keepalive configuration  <sub>2026-03-24 * `eaf5fcbc`</sub>
+- **Improvement** - Re-create JWT tokens when NTP reveals stale time  <sub>2026-03-24 * `1c98d1c6`</sub>
+- **Internal** - Serial-availability checks before logging; circuit-breaker reconnect logic  <sub>2026-03-23 * `4a60f166`</sub>
+- **New** - MeshRank preset (token auth, custom topic templates)  <sub>2026-03-22 * `95874f0c`</sub>
+- **Fix** - Dynamic MQTTBridge allocation to avoid an ESP32 static-init crash  <sub>2026-03-21 * `c67fb12b`</sub>
+- **Build** - Build script: cached project config, artifact handling, ESP32 binary merge  <sub>2026-03-21 * `bf8a3a7a`</sub>
+- **Improvement** - Active connection slots limited by available memory (PSRAM-aware)  <sub>2026-03-20 * `542f8a31`</sub>
+- **New** - Up to 3 configurable connection slots with built-in presets (LetsMesh US/EU, MeshMapper)  <sub>2026-03-20 * `b43e9618`</sub>
+- [UP] **Upstream sync** - Synced with upstream MeshCore dev  <sub>2026-03-20 * `abe6e046`</sub>
+- **Change** - Stopped enabling MQTT analyzer servers by default in the example sketches  <sub>2026-03-07 * `304719e8`</sub>
+- [UP] **Upstream sync** - Synced with upstream MeshCore dev  <sub>2026-03-06 * `db8b4419`</sub>
+- [UP] **Upstream sync** - Synced with upstream MeshCore dev  <sub>2026-03-04 * `56ac85fa`</sub>
+- [UP] **Upstream sync** - Synced with upstream MeshCore dev  <sub>2026-03-03 * `dcbbe5a6`</sub>
+
+### February 2026
+
+- [UP] **Upstream sync** - Synced with upstream MeshCore dev (Packet.cpp fix)  <sub>2026-02-26 * `8b359452`</sub>
+- **Internal** - Multibyte path handling in Packet / MQTTMessageBuilder  <sub>2026-02-25 * `c8e220b1`</sub>
+- [UP] **Upstream sync** - Synced with upstream MeshCore dev  <sub>2026-02-25 * `51e9907f`</sub>
+- **Change** - Removed an unused preprocessor directive in MyMesh  <sub>2026-02-25 * `ee1a9b4a`</sub>
+- [UP] **Upstream sync** - Synced with upstream MeshCore dev  <sub>2026-02-24 * `397a48fc`</sub>
+- **Improvement** - Keepalive set to 45s to hold WebSocket connections through Cloudflare  <sub>2026-02-16 * `2d4b7a64`</sub>
+- **Build** - heltec_v4 uses the `heltec_v4_oled` config for observer / room-server  <sub>2026-02-16 * `88ce0d33`</sub>
+- [UP] **Upstream sync** - Synced with upstream MeshCore dev  <sub>2026-02-15 * `e89cbee8`</sub>
+- **Improvement** - Simplified KISS noise-floor sampling  <sub>2026-02-07 * `776131e2`</sub>
+- **Fix** * `kiss_modem` - Improved RX delivery and noise-floor sampling  <sub>2026-02-06 * `f445b5ac`</sub>
+- **Improvement** - Better NTP synchronization in MQTTBridge  <sub>2026-02-06 * `ba4243b5`</sub>
+- **Improvement** - WiFi management and fragmentation recovery  <sub>2026-02-04 * `26aaace9`</sub>
+- **New** - PSRAM-backed memory management in MQTTBridge  <sub>2026-02-04 * `1d0d33f9`</sub>
+- **New** - PSRAM diagnostics at MQTTBridge init  <sub>2026-02-04 * `abcfe609`</sub>
+- **Build** - mbedTLS configuration tuned across variants  <sub>2026-02-04 * `21158e1f`</sub>
+- **Fix** * `kiss` - Periodic noise-floor calibration and AGC reset  <sub>2026-02-03 * `0fb57033`</sub>
+- **Fix** - Memory use and status reporting in the MQTT bridge  <sub>2026-02-02 * `498566e6`</sub>
+
+### January 2026
+
+- **Internal** - Clarified packet ownership / memory management in MQTTBridge  <sub>2026-01-31 * `f91b715e`</sub>
+- **New** - `recv_errors` in the `CMD_GET_STATS` packets response  <sub>2026-01-29 * `019bbf74`</sub>
+- **New** - Receive-error tracking in Dispatcher and the message builder  <sub>2026-01-29 * `ee577314`</sub>
+- **Fix** - Display header include for heltec_v4 when `DISPLAY_CLASS` is set directly  <sub>2026-01-27 * `bb27cded`</sub>
+- [UP] **Upstream sync** - Synced with upstream MeshCore dev  <sub>2026-01-27 * `d96c900f`</sub>
+- [UP] **Upstream sync** - Synced with upstream MeshCore dev  <sub>2026-01-26 * `2a84e58b`</sub>
+- **Improvement** - MQTTBridge memory usage and NTP handling  <sub>2026-01-24 * `9e1ce23e`</sub>
+- **Improvement** - MQTTBridge status handling and publish logic  <sub>2026-01-23 * `c67c3295`</sub>
+- **Internal** - MQTTBridge connection handling for stability / responsiveness  <sub>2026-01-22 * `c055228c`</sub>
+- [UP] **Upstream sync** - Synced with upstream MeshCore dev  <sub>2026-01-21 * `39ba020f`</sub>
+- **Internal** - MQTTBridge moved onto a FreeRTOS task for responsiveness  <sub>2026-01-21 * `ed27ebd0`</sub>
+- **New** - Configurable WiFi power-save mode preference  <sub>2026-01-18 * `56f98997`</sub>
+- **Internal** - HeltecTrackerV2 / HeltecV4 init for GC1109 FEM  <sub>2026-01-13 * `3eaca31f`</sub>
+- **Docs** - Owner configuration commands documented  <sub>2026-01-12 * `58cdd60c`</sub>
+- **Internal** - Advert timer type consistency in MyMesh / SensorMesh  <sub>2026-01-08 * `ffa2a1ec`</sub>
+- **New** - Device metadata setup at bridge init / restart  <sub>2026-01-03 * `2bd61c13`</sub>
+- **Internal** - Config validation allows optional username / password  <sub>2026-01-03 * `d1093b43`</sub>
+- **Internal** - JWTHelper / MQTTBridge efficiency cleanup  <sub>2026-01-02 * `e754317c`</sub>
+- **Fix** - MQTT connection stability and CLI responsiveness  <sub>2026-01-02 * `98f176c7`</sub>
+- **New** - Neighbour-info sorting; MQTTBridge memory tuning  <sub>2026-01-01 * `2185523d`</sub>
+
+### December 2025
+
+- **Docs** - WiFi power-save configuration documented  <sub>2025-12-30 * `915f8b8e`</sub>
+- **Internal** - `loadPrefs` handles fresh installs and upgrades; migrates old prefs  <sub>2025-12-30 * `8fa99611`</sub>
+- **Improvement** - Loop prioritizes radio RX for responsiveness  <sub>2025-12-29 * `617e3b17`</sub>
+- **Internal** - Defer broker connect until WiFi + NTP ready; socket error logging  <sub>2025-12-17 * `5d4f1e4c`</sub>
+- **Improvement** - Event-driven WiFi diagnostics and faster reconnect  <sub>2025-12-12 * `f7f1f838`</sub>
+- **New** - WiFi power-save mode configuration (none / min / max)  <sub>2025-12-08 * `34c8bea7`</sub>
+- **Fix** - LPS22HB pressure now reported in hPa (was kPa)  <sub>2025-12-08 * `b91b854a`</sub>
+- **New** - WiFi TX power configuration (default 11 dBm)  <sub>2025-12-07 * `b82d7e43`</sub>
+- **New** - Default bridge settings for fresh installs; JSON reuse to avoid fragmentation  <sub>2025-12-07 * `0b7c0888`</sub>
+- **Improvement** - MQTT debug macros check Serial to prevent hangs  <sub>2025-12-06 * `3589043b`</sub>
+- **Change** - Removed redundant settings writes in `savePrefs`  <sub>2025-12-04 * `03d519f8`</sub>
+- **Build** - Source filter for the Xiao S3 WIO variant  <sub>2025-12-01 * `4f548ffc`</sub>
+
+### November 2025
+
+- **New** - `adc_multiplier` added to NodePrefs  <sub>2025-11-23 * `8fbdc98a`</sub>
+- **Change** - IATA codes uppercased for consistency  <sub>2025-11-23 * `5cadf3d9`</sub>
+- **Change** - `CMD_GET_STATS` split into core / radio / packet sub-types  <sub>2025-11-17 * `a3c9a073`</sub>
+- **New** - IP address shown for MQTT bridge devices in UITask  <sub>2025-11-16 * `6b0c0e93`</sub>
+- **New** - T-Beam ESP32 support; error log when source = tx but TX logging is off  <sub>2025-11-16 * `3c7ac9d1`</sub>
+- **Build** - `MQTT_DEBUG` enabled for several build configs  <sub>2025-11-16 * `3726c472`</sub>
+- **New** - MQTT observer support for Room Servers  <sub>2025-11-15 * `0cd0c36a`</sub>
+- **Change** - Switched MQTT configs to observer mode across variants  <sub>2025-11-13 * `304a32db`</sub>
+- **Internal** - Client version string generation  <sub>2025-11-13 * `aa242e78`</sub>
+- **Improvement** - WiFi power-save + reduced TX power to limit LoRa interference; retry fix when no brokers connected  <sub>2025-11-10 * `bafa5426`</sub>
+- **Internal** - Statistics use binary frames instead of JSON  <sub>2025-11-09 * `80d6dd43`</sub>
+- **New** - IATA validation blocks publishing without an IATA code  <sub>2025-11-08 * `25d40f02`</sub>
+- **Fix** - Restored status-publish retry delay to prevent server spam  <sub>2025-11-08 * `9e06fffc`</sub>
+- **New** - Added missing token-expiration / reconnection member variables  <sub>2025-11-08 * `453c4184`</sub>
+- **Change** - Removed WiFi credentials from platformio.ini (use CLI / build flags)  <sub>2025-11-08 * `921c6112`</sub>
+- **Internal** - MQTT preferences handling in CommonCLI  <sub>2025-11-08 * `5a816be8`</sub>
+- **Internal** - `formatStatsReply` uses the new member variables  <sub>2025-11-08 * `c9aa536c`</sub>
+- **Build** - Explicit `paulstoffregen/Time` dependency to fix PIO compile  <sub>2025-11-07 * `72ca50b9`</sub>
+- **Build** - Dropped the CayenneLPP patch script; updated ArduinoJson  <sub>2025-11-07 * `fef9225b`</sub>
+- **Fix** - Timezone command parsing lengths corrected  <sub>2025-11-07 * `b89ceeea`</sub>
+- **New** - Statistics commands and response handling in MyMesh  <sub>2025-11-07 * `df4dab85`</sub>
+- **New** - MQTT email support in CommonCLI / JWTHelper  <sub>2025-11-06 * `1ed18f9e`</sub>
+- **New** - MQTT owner public-key support  <sub>2025-11-06 * `e5dbd56b`</sub>
+- **Improvement** - Status reporting and stats collection  <sub>2025-11-01 * `e4ff06cb`</sub>
+
+### October 2025
+
+- **Improvement** - MQTTBridge logging and connection handling  <sub>2025-10-31 * `7df28557`</sub>
+- **Improvement** - Packet handling and memory management in MQTTMessageBuilder / MQTTBridge  <sub>2025-10-31 * `eee02025`</sub>
+- **New** - Memory monitoring and queue-size reporting  <sub>2025-10-29 * `e77beff0`</sub>
+- **Internal** - In-place base64url encoding; cleanup frees queued packets / timezone objects  <sub>2025-10-27 * `1219668f`</sub>
+- **Change** - Defer MQTT connect until WiFi credentials are valid (requires reboot)  <sub>2025-10-27 * `3851a84b`</sub>
+- **Improvement** - Dynamic build date and client versioning  <sub>2025-10-26 * `c23663da`</sub>
+- **New** - CLI config for `mqtt.server` / `username` / `password` / `port`  <sub>2025-10-26 * `eab70c3c`</sub>
+- **New** - Let's Mesh Analyzer integration  <sub>2025-10-26 * `a6453556`</sub>
+- **New** - Station G2 repeater bridge build target; docs  <sub>2025-10-26 * `f6a77d2f`</sub>
+- **New** - Timezone handling; raw-data packet output with proper hashes / timestamps  <sub>2025-10-25 * `787af7b0`</sub>
+- **New** - Timezone support in the MQTT Bridge and CLI  <sub>2025-10-25 * `26c4b970`</sub>
+- **New** - Initial MQTT Bridge implementation with WiFi CLI configuration  <sub>2025-10-25 * `efc15eb6`</sub>
+
+<!-- gen_changelog:hashes - auto-maintained list of every processed commit; do not edit by hand
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+-->
@@ -13,17 +13,17 @@ Thanks for considering contributing to this project!

 ### 2. Suggesting Enhancements / New Features
 - Open an issue with the prefix **[Feature request]**
- Explain the use-case → what problem would this solve?
+- Explain the use-case -> what problem would this solve?
 - Describe your ideal API / behavior (code examples are very helpful)

 ### 3. Submitting Code Changes (Pull Requests)

 #### Small fixes (typos, comments, examples, small bug fixes)
-→ Just open a pull request — no prior issue needed
+-> Just open a pull request - no prior issue needed

 #### Larger changes / new features
 1. Open an issue first to discuss the idea
-2. Get a rough 👍 from maintainer(s)
+2. Get a rough [THUMBS-UP] from maintainer(s)
 3. Fork the repo from 'dev' branch and create your branch (`fix/xxx`, `feature/yyy`, `docs/whatever`)
 4. Make your changes
 5. Update or add examples when appropriate
@@ -55,4 +55,4 @@ Please follow the existing C++ style (per the .clang-format)
 ## Thank You!

 > [!NOTE]
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@@ -0,0 +1,86 @@
+# MeshCore memory monitoring
+
+MeshCore exposes current allocator information through the CLI. On an ESP32
+build, run `memory` over a supported local or administrator CLI transport:
+
+```text
+memory
+  -> Free: 102796, Min: 83544, Max: 75764, Queue: 0, IntFree: 68420, IntMax: 53248, PSRAM: 3918400/4194304
+```
+
+For a USB serial console, identify the device port and open it at the baud rate
+configured by the build (normally 115200):
+
+```bash
+ls /dev/ttyACM* /dev/ttyUSB* 2>/dev/null
+screen /dev/ttyACM0 115200
+```
+
+Then enter `memory` periodically. Exit GNU Screen with `Ctrl-A`, then `K`.
+
+The repository does not ship a `monitor_memory.py` collector. For a long soak,
+use a serial terminal with timestamped logging, or have the test harness send
+`memory` at a conservative interval and retain each complete reply.
+
+## ESP32 fields
+
+| Field | Meaning |
+|---|---|
+| `Free` | Bytes currently free in the ESP heap. |
+| `Min` | Lowest free-heap value observed since boot. This is a low-water mark and does not rise when memory is released. |
+| `Max` | Largest single allocation currently available from the ESP heap. |
+| `Queue` | Current MeshCore transmit-queue length. It is not specifically an MQTT queue. |
+| `IntFree` | Bytes currently free in internal-capability RAM. |
+| `IntMax` | Largest single allocation currently available in internal-capability RAM. |
+| `PSRAM` | Free/total external PSRAM bytes. A board or build without PSRAM normally reports `0/0`. |
+
+Non-ESP builds that expose the common CLI may return the shorter
+`Heap: free=<bytes>, used=<bytes>` form. The public build matrix only promises
+the detailed `memory` command on ESP32; see the
+[CLI availability matrix](docs/cli_command_availability.md#memory).
+
+## Interpreting a soak
+
+Establish a separate idle and workload baseline for each board and firmware
+profile. Fixed thresholds such as “50 KB is always low” are misleading because
+heap size, PSRAM, enabled features, and allocation capabilities differ by build.
+Look for trends instead:
+
+- `Free` repeatedly returns to roughly the same baseline after transient work.
+- `Min` can fall during a new peak workload; continued new lows under an
+  identical repeating workload deserve investigation.
+- A shrinking `Max` while `Free` remains stable can indicate fragmentation or a
+  changed allocation pattern.
+- A `Queue` that grows and does not drain points to radio backpressure or stalled
+  processing, not necessarily a leak.
+- On PSRAM builds, inspect internal RAM separately. Plenty of PSRAM cannot satisfy
+  allocations that require internal-capability memory.
+
+Sample immediately after boot, after network and MQTT startup, during the
+intended peak workload, and again after that workload becomes idle. Preserve
+the firmware version, build environment, uptime, and workload alongside the
+samples so results are comparable.
+
+## Related diagnostics
+
+- `stats-core` reports battery, uptime, queue length, and core debug flags over a
+  local serial session.
+- `stats-radio` and `stats-packets` help distinguish memory pressure from radio
+  or queue congestion.
+- On MQTT observer builds, `get mqtt.stats` reports bridge publish health and a
+  heap snapshot; `get mqtt.status` reports bridge state and schedules.
+
+See the [CLI command reference](docs/cli_commands.md#statistics) and
+[MQTT command availability](docs/cli_command_availability.md#mqtt-stats).
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+- If the device does not answer, verify the port, build-specific baud rate, and
+  that the selected firmware exposes a CLI on that transport.
+- If `memory` returns `Unknown command`, check the build matrix. Do not infer a
+  memory failure from an unavailable command.
+- If output stops during a soak, retain the last complete sample and capture the
+  device log and reset reason. The last free-heap value alone is not a crash
+  diagnosis.
+- If only `Queue` rises, inspect radio and packet statistics before treating the
+  symptom as allocator exhaustion.
@@ -0,0 +1,249 @@
+# MQTT Bridge Internals
+
+Developer-facing notes on how the MQTT observer feature is structured in the codebase: source files, the seams that keep it isolated from upstream MeshCore code, and how on-device settings are migrated across firmware versions. For user-facing setup and CLI reference, see [MQTT_IMPLEMENTATION.md](MQTT_IMPLEMENTATION.md).
+
+## Files
+
+### Core Implementation
+- `src/helpers/bridges/MQTTBridge.h` - MQTT bridge class definition
+- `src/helpers/bridges/MQTTBridge.cpp` - MQTT bridge implementation
+- `src/helpers/MQTTPresets.h` - Preset definitions, CA certificates, and lookup functions
+- `src/helpers/MQTTDefaults.h` - Compile-time defaults for fresh `/mqtt_prefs`
+- `src/helpers/MQTTMessageBuilder.h` - JSON message formatting utilities
+- `src/helpers/MQTTMessageBuilder.cpp` - JSON message formatting implementation
+- `src/helpers/JWTHelper.h` - JWT token generation for Ed25519-based authentication
+- `src/helpers/CommonCLI_Observer.cpp` - All observer CLI command handling (MQTT, WiFi,
+  timezone, NTP, OTA, SNMP, alerts)
+
+### Integration seams with upstream code
+
+The observer feature is kept out of upstream-tracked files through three mechanisms:
+
+- **CLI hook methods** - upstream `CommonCLI.cpp` delegates to three `CommonCLI`
+  methods defined in the fork-owned `CommonCLI_Observer.cpp`: `handleObserverCommand()`,
+  `handleObserverSetCmd()`, and `handleObserverGetCmd()`. Each returns `true` if it
+  consumed the command, otherwise the upstream parser runs. Only these three call
+  sites touch upstream CLI code.
+- **Callback virtuals** - observer behaviour needed from the application is exposed
+  as default-no-op virtuals on `CommonCLICallbacks` (e.g. `restartBridgeSlot`,
+  `isMqttBridgeRunning`, `syncMqttNtp`, `onAlertConfigChanged`, `sendAlertText`,
+  `resolveAlertScope`, `beginDeferredOtaUpdate`). The example apps override them
+  behind `#ifdef WITH_MQTT_BRIDGE`.
+- **Separate settings file** - observer settings (MQTT slots, WiFi, timezone, SNMP,
+  radio watchdog, fault alerts) live in the `MQTTPrefs` struct persisted to
+  `/mqtt_prefs`, keeping `NodePrefs` / `/com_prefs` aligned with the upstream layout.
+
+Remaining integration points in upstream files:
+- `examples/simple_repeater/MyMesh.{h,cpp}`, `examples/simple_room_server/MyMesh.{h,cpp}` -
+  bridge/alerter/SNMP wiring and packet-feed hooks, guarded by `#ifdef WITH_MQTT_BRIDGE`;
+  plus the `createObserverPacketManager()` call in each constructor (see below)
+- `src/helpers/CommonCLI.{h,cpp}` - the three CLI hooks, `MQTTPrefs` load/save/migration
+- `src/Dispatcher.{h,cpp}` - radio watchdog block, guarded by `#ifdef WITH_MQTT_BRIDGE`
+
+### Capture vs. duty-cycle throttling
+
+RX processing needs a free packet from the static pool before `logRx()` (and thus the
+MQTT uplink) can run - `Dispatcher::checkRecv()` silently discards received data when
+the pool is empty. Because the outbound queue holds pool packets with no expiry,
+duty-cycle throttling can park the entire pool waiting on TX budget, capping capture at
+the TX rate - and the parked repeats absorb every budget refill, starving the node's
+own CLI responses and making it un-administrable over the mesh. Observer builds
+therefore use `RxReservePacketManager` (fork-owned,
+`src/helpers/RxReservePacketManager.h`): below the RX reserve (a quarter of the pool)
+it sheds only low-priority outbound (multi-hop flood repeats, adverts, trace), keeping
+the node's own responses/ACKs queueable; below a smaller emergency floor it sheds
+everything to keep capture alive. Queued packets still untransmitted 30 s past their
+scheduled time are expired at dequeue, so under throttle the queue holds only fresh
+traffic and admin responses reach the trickle of TX budget. Non-observer builds keep
+the upstream pool behavior.
+
+### Neighbors publication path (feature-gated)
+
+Periodic neighbors publishing is gated on `WITH_MQTT_NEIGHBORS`, defined in
+`MQTTBridge.h` when `MAX_NEIGHBOURS > 0` and either `BOARD_HAS_PSRAM` or the
+variant opt-in `MQTT_NEIGHBORS_WITHOUT_PSRAM` is present. It spans two
+subsystems and two cores:
+
+- **Mesh side (Core 1), `MyMesh`**: the `loop()` runs a two-stage refresh driven by
+  `mqtt_neighbors_interval`. Stage 1 sends a zero-hop `sendNodeDiscoverReq()` and waits
+  out its 60 s collection window to refresh `neighbours[]`. Stage 2
+  (`startNeighborDiscover`) fires one anon-regions scope query per heard neighbor,
+  overlaying them onto the peer-index space at `NEIGHBOR_DISCOVER_PEER_BASE` so their
+  `PAYLOAD_TYPE_RESPONSE` packets decrypt via `searchPeersByHash`/`getPeerSharedSecret`/
+  `onPeerDataRecv` even when the neighbor is not an ACL client. A reply is zero-hop by
+  request, so `handleNeighborDiscoverResponse` also re-stamps `heard_timestamp` in both
+  the snapshot and `neighbours[]` -- proof of reception, and the only thing that heals a
+  stamp taken before the clock was set. After all responses land or a 30 s window
+  expires, `finishNeighborDiscover()` builds the JSON with
+  `MQTTMessageBuilder::buildNeighborsMessage` into a transient buffer (PSRAM where
+  available, internal DRAM otherwise) and hands it to the bridge. The entry table and its
+  hex strings share one heap block sized to the pass -- at `MAX_NEIGHBOURS` they reach
+  ~4.5 KB, which does not fit the mesh loop task's 8 KB stack. Ages that still span a clock epoch publish as `null` rather than a
+  fabricated delta (`neighborHeardAgeUsable`, see `UPSTREAM_BUGS.md` #1).
+- **Buffer sizing**: `NEIGHBORS_JSON_BUFFER_SIZE` is 10 KB with PSRAM and 4 KB without,
+  since a non-PSRAM board pays for the persistent buffer, the transient build buffer and
+  the ArduinoJson pool out of the same internal DRAM each TLS slot needs ~40 KB of
+  (~13 KB peak instead of ~35 KB). The pool has its own budget
+  (`NEIGHBORS_DOC_POOL_BUDGET`) because ArduinoJson v7 hands out pool blocks in fixed
+  4096-byte chunks, so a table that just fits the text buffer can still need well over
+  it in pool -- and a starved pool sets `doc.overflowed()`, which drops the entire publish
+  instead of truncating it. `NEIGHBORS_MAX_PUBLISH_ENTRIES` (20 without PSRAM) keeps the
+  pool inside a single block.
+- **Bridge side, handoff**: `requestPublishNeighbors(json, len)` (Core 1) memcpys into the
+  persistent buffer (`NEIGHBORS_JSON_BUFFER_SIZE`, PSRAM where available) and sets
+  `_neighbors_publish_pending` with a release store; the MQTT task (`mqttTaskLoop`, Core 0)
+  consumes it with an acquire load, calls `publishNeighbors()`, and clears the flag. A
+  second snapshot is dropped while one is in flight. `publishNeighbors()` sends QoS 1,
+  retain = `preset->allow_retain` (custom slots non-retained). MeshRank slots are included,
+  publishing to `meshrank/uplink/{token}/{device}/neighbors` (non-retained, since the
+  preset sets `allow_retain = false`).
+- **Status reporting**: `MyMesh` reports the schedule each loop via
+  `setNeighborsSchedule(phase, secs)`; `formatMqttStatusReply` renders it as the trailing
+  `nbr: <when>/<last>` field in `get mqtt.status` while the feature is enabled.
+
+The JSON builder lives in the pure, host-tested `MQTTPayloadBuilder`
+(`test/test_mqtt_payload_builder`); the topic type in `MQTTTopicRouter`
+(`test/test_mqtt_topic_router`). The mesh<->bridge orchestration above is on-target only.
+
+### Runtime construction and slot memory
+
+- **Deferred construction** -- `MQTTBridge` is heap-allocated in each app's `begin()`
+  (`bridge = new MQTTBridge(...)` in `MyMesh.cpp`) rather than held as a static member,
+  because constructing it at static-init time crashes on ESP32 classic.
+- **Runtime slot array** -- `RUNTIME_MQTT_SLOTS` (`MQTTPresets.h`) is 6 with PSRAM and 3
+  without, saving ~1.2 KB of heap on non-PSRAM boards. `MAX_MQTT_SLOTS` stays 6 on every
+  build because it fixes the persisted `MQTTPrefs` layout, so slot config survives moving
+  firmware between board classes. Three runtime slots suffice without PSRAM:
+  `_max_active_slots` caps those boards at 2 live connections, leaving one spare for
+  reconfiguration. Configured slots past the cap report `(inactive)`.
+- **Buffers** -- the 768-byte JWT `auth_token` is inline in every `MQTTSlot`, not allocated
+  per JWT-auth slot. What varies is the MQTT client's TX/RX buffer: 896 bytes (the minimum
+  that fits a CONNECT plus a 768-byte JWT) uniformly on PSRAM boards to limit
+  fragmentation from mixed allocations, and 896 or 512 per slot on non-PSRAM boards so
+  non-JWT slots leave smaller holes across teardown/recreate cycles. The large
+  JSON/raw-packet buffers go through `psram_malloc()`, which prefers PSRAM and falls back
+  to internal heap.
+
+### Reconnection, backoff, and circuit breaker
+
+The client's own auto-reconnect is disabled (`setAutoReconnect(false)`); the bridge drives
+reconnection per slot.
+
+- Backoff ladder: 10 s -> 30 s -> 60 s -> 120 s -> 300 s, staggered by 3 s x slot index so
+  slots don't all handshake at once.
+- The ladder resets only after a connection has held for 2 minutes
+  (`BACKOFF_STABLE_RESET_MS`), which is longer than the 75 s keepalive -- a link that can't
+  survive one keepalive round-trip keeps its earned rung instead of hammering TLS
+  handshakes at the 10 s rung. CONNACK alone does not reset it.
+- After 3 more failures at the top rung (~15 min) the slot's circuit breaker trips and
+  routine reconnects stop. A tripped slot is probed once every 30 minutes (with a fresh
+  JWT where applicable); a successful connect clears the breaker, as does reconfiguring
+  the slot.
+- Message retransmit timeout is 15 s -- one retry inside esp-mqtt's 30 s outbox expiry,
+  preserving at-least-once delivery while capping duplicates at one.
+
+### Message building
+
+- The `hash` field in `packets` messages is MeshCore's own packet hash,
+  `Packet::calculatePacketHash()` -- SHA256 over the payload type and payload (plus
+  `path_len` for TRACE), truncated to `MAX_HASH_SIZE`. It is the same value the dispatcher
+  uses, so uplinked hashes match the mesh.
+- `score` is recomputed at publish time from the packet's SNR and length via the radio's
+  `packetScore()`, so it matches the value the firmware used on receive.
+- Timezone: the JChristensen/Timezone object (`_timezone_storage`, inline since the
+  memory-defrag work) is kept current from `timezone_string` via `setRules()`, but
+  `formatIsoTimestampForMqtt()` explicitly ignores it -- every published timestamp, time,
+  and date field is UTC off `gmtime()`, matching Python's
+  `datetime.now(timezone.utc).isoformat()`. The timezone prefs therefore do not affect
+  MQTT message content.
+
+### Command namespacing
+
+CLI commands sit at two levels. `bridge.*` is low-level and shared by all bridge types
+(MQTT, RS232, ESP-NOW): `bridge.enabled` is the master switch, and `bridge.source` selects
+which packet events non-MQTT bridges capture. The MQTT bridge ignores `bridge.source` in
+favour of independent `mqtt.rx` / `mqtt.tx` controls. Everything MQTT-specific lives under
+`mqtt.*` (shared settings), `mqttN.*` (per-slot broker config), `wifi.*`, and `timezone.*`.
+
+### `/mqtt_prefs` file format
+
+`/mqtt_prefs` is written with an 8-byte `MQTTPrefsHeader` (`magic`, `version`,
+`payload_len`) followed by the raw `MQTTPrefs` payload. The magic is
+`{0xF5, 'M', 'Q', 'P'}` - its leading non-ASCII byte can never collide with the first
+bytes of a legacy (headerless) file, whose payload begins with the `mqtt_origin`
+string. Bump `MQTT_PREFS_VERSION` when the payload layout changes incompatibly; a file
+whose version this firmware doesn't recognize is left untouched and the in-memory prefs
+fall back to defaults (no downgrade, no misread). `saveMQTTPrefs()` also refuses to
+write while such a file is present (`_mqtt_prefs_hold`), so a `set` command after a
+firmware downgrade can't clobber the newer config - observer settings changed in that
+state simply don't persist. The frozen legacy layouts are pinned with `static_assert`s
+in `MQTTPrefsStorage.h`, so every target build re-verifies the fleet's file offsets.
+
+Adding a field to the current version stays backward compatible: append it to the end
+of `MQTTPrefs`, give the older exact payload length an explicit decoder boundary, and
+leave the missing tail at its default. The packet-filter addition follows that rule:
+the prior 2864-byte v1 payload loads with all six filters set to `all`, while the
+full payload is 2876 bytes.
+
+#### The downgrade contract
+
+**Within a version tag the layout is append-only, and a longer payload is always
+readable.** A file written by a later build starts with this binary's exact baseline,
+so `classify()` reads that prefix and ignores the tail. A downgraded node keeps its
+WiFi credentials, broker slots, and every other setting it understands; the only thing
+it loses is the settings the newer build added.
+
+That asymmetry is the whole point. Refusing the file costs the operator the network
+itself -- `/mqtt_prefs` holds `wifi_ssid`/`wifi_password` as well as the broker config,
+so a node that falls back to defaults has no WiFi, no portal, and no OTA, recoverable
+only over serial. Reading it costs a feature's settings. Losing later settings is the
+acceptable half of that trade; losing the node is not.
+
+The tail survives until something actually writes. `saveMQTTPrefs()` rewrites at this
+binary's own length, so a rollback that changes no observer setting and is later rolled
+forward keeps the newer fields intact -- only an explicit `set` while downgraded drops
+them. The boot log says so when it happens.
+
+**A change that is not a pure append MUST bump `MQTT_PREFS_VERSION`.** The version
+check is what makes the rule above safe: a different tag is still refused outright and
+the file preserved, because the bytes may no longer mean what this binary thinks. Never
+reorder, resize, or repurpose an existing field within a version.
+
+Note the rule is only as old as the build that implements it. Firmware already deployed
+carries the *previous* decoder, which rejects any longer v1 payload -- so rolling back
+from this build to one shipped before it still falls back to defaults.
+`MQTTPrefsCodec::payloadLenFor()` covers that gap from the writing side: it returns the
+shortest length that still round-trips the configuration, so a node keeps writing 2864
+bytes until a packet filter actually holds something, and clearing the last non-default
+filter puts it back. That mitigation can be retired once no supported downgrade target
+predates the contract; the contract itself is the durable half.
+
+Shorter payloads keep their existing, stricter treatment: a short length must match a
+boundary that really shipped (`MQTT_PREFS_V1_*_PAYLOAD_SIZE`), because raw prefs have
+no checksum and an arbitrary short size cannot be trusted to mean anything.
+
+### Settings upgrade / migration
+
+`loadPrefs()` handles every historical on-device format one-time at boot:
+- **`/mqtt_prefs`** - if the file has the version header it is read directly. Otherwise
+  it is a legacy headerless file and its layout is detected by size: pre-slot
+  (`OldMQTTPrefs`), 3-slot (`ThreeSlotMQTTPrefs`), or the 6-slot layout shipped on
+  `observer-firmware` back when it was named `mqtt-bridge-implementation-flex`
+  (`Legacy6SlotMQTTPrefs`). Each is field-copied into
+  the current compact `MQTTPrefs` and re-saved with the version header - which also
+  drops the vestigial `_legacy_*` fields the flex layout carried mid-struct. This is a
+  one-time rewrite; every deployed device performs it on its first boot of versioned
+  firmware, after which all reads take the header path.
+  The pre-slot (`OldMQTTPrefs`) copy maps the old single-broker keys onto slots:
+  `mqtt.analyzer.us = on` maps to slot 1 `analyzer-us`, `mqtt.analyzer.eu = on` maps to slot 2
+  `analyzer-eu`, and a configured `mqtt.server` / `mqtt.port` / `mqtt.username` /
+  `mqtt.password` maps to slot 3 `custom` with those values preserved. Origin, IATA, message
+  types, WiFi, and timezone carry over as-is.
+- **`/com_prefs`** - a file written by fork firmware that predates the `MQTTPrefs` split
+  (a zero-filled MQTT gap plus a trailing observer block) is detected by size; the
+  trailing SNMP / radio-watchdog / fault-alert settings and the `rx_boosted_gain` /
+  `flood_max_*` fields are recovered, carried into `/mqtt_prefs`, and both files are
+  rewritten in the current formats.
+- Settings the pre-split firmware stored *inside* the `/com_prefs` MQTT gap (the MQTT
+  slot/WiFi config itself) are **not** recovered - users upgrading from firmware that
+  old must re-enter their MQTT and WiFi configuration.
@@ -0,0 +1,191 @@
+# MQTT Bridge Cross-Core Ownership Model
+
+> **Historical design record, status reconciled 2026-08-18.** The ownership
+> analysis was written during Phases 4-5. File/line references describe that
+> snapshot and must be re-located before editing current code. Cooperative
+> shutdown and the OTA barrier are implemented and hardware-characterized;
+> immutable status publication and replacement of the remaining volatile
+> NTP/reconfigure handshakes are still deferred.
+
+This document is the Phase 4 deliverable from `STABILITY_TESTABILITY_HANDOFF.md`:
+it records **one owner for each mutable runtime domain**, maps every place a
+non-owner reads owned state across cores today, and states the target primitive
+for each. It is paired with the fork-owned lifecycle test seam
+(`src/helpers/MQTTLifecycle.h`, `test/test_mqtt_lifecycle/`).
+
+**Status:** ownership model documented and the lifecycle/teardown test seam
+landed (Phase 4). **Phase 5 (branch `phase5/cooperative-mqtt-shutdown`) has now
+implemented the cooperative shutdown and the OTA barrier -- hazard Section 4 below.**
+Still **deferred** (carried to Phase 5b / Phase 6): publishing a plain-data
+snapshot and repointing the Section 1/Section 2 consumers, and replacing the Section 3 `volatile`
+handshakes with a command channel. This document is a design record; Sections
+1-3 describe hazards that still exist conceptually, while Section 4 is resolved.
+Line
+references are against the tree at the time of writing and should be re-verified
+before editing.
+
+## Execution contexts
+
+- **MQTT task -- Core 0** (`"MQTTBridge"`, `xTaskCreatePinnedToCore(..., MQTT_TASK_CORE=0)`,
+  entry `mqttTask` -> `mqttTaskLoop`, `MQTTBridge.cpp:923`, `:991`). Owns all
+  WiFi / MQTT / NTP I/O and every mutation of `_slots[]`, connection state, and
+  NTP state.
+- **Loop task -- Core 1** (`MyMesh::loop()`). Runs the CLI, WebConfig `tick()`,
+  and `AlertReporter::onLoop()`. `examples/simple_repeater/MyMesh.cpp:1529`
+  notes the bridge loop is *not* called here -- it lives on Core 0.
+- **Producer / radio context.** Stages raw radio bytes before queue handoff
+  (`storeRawRadioData` -> `_staged_*`, consumed by `queuePacket`; both Core 1, in
+  guaranteed sequence, `MQTTBridge.h:232-239`).
+- **Async TCP context.** WebConfig request parsing and immutable response
+  handoff only.
+
+## Ownership model (one owner per mutable domain)
+
+| Domain | Owner | Notes |
+|--------|-------|-------|
+| MQTT clients, slot connection state, publish counters, packet drain, NTP I/O | **MQTT task (Core 0)** | `_slots[]`, `PsychicMqttClient`s, `_ntp_client`, `_last_raw_*` |
+| CLI execution, preference persistence, WebConfig batch draining, bridge lifecycle requests | **Loop task (Core 1)** | issues start/stop/reconfigure, drains the WebConfig batch |
+| Packet staging before queue handoff | **Producer / radio (Core 1)** | `_staged_*`, no lock needed (sequential) |
+| Request parse + immutable response | **Async TCP** | must not touch mutable bridge state |
+
+The rule that follows: **loop/WebConfig/CLI/AlertReporter code must not directly
+inspect mutable MQTT slot objects or client counters.** The MQTT task must
+publish a plain-data snapshot they can read instead.
+
+## Remaining cross-core hazards after the minimal Phase 5 change
+
+All of the following run on **Core 1** and read state mutated by **Core 0**
+without a lock or a published snapshot.
+
+### 1. Diagnostic reads of live `_slots[]` via the singleton
+
+Four `static` accessors reach the live object through the file-scope
+`s_mqtt_bridge_instance` (`MQTTBridge.cpp:201`, set at `begin()` end `:849`,
+nulled first in `end()` `:858` -- a plain, non-atomic pointer):
+
+- `getSlotStatusSnapshot` (`:299`) -- despite its name, built on demand from
+  live `_slots[slot_index]`. **Refined premise:** the returned `name`/`state`
+  `const char*`s point at static rodata (string literals / `MQTT_PRESETS[]`),
+  so they are *not* dangling. The real hazards are (a) reading the
+  `slot.preset` **pointer value**, which Core 0 can null/reassign mid-read
+  (`applySlotPreset`, `teardownSlot`), and (b) `slot.client->getPublishOk()`,
+  a live client pointer Core 0 can `delete` during teardown (UAF window).
+- `formatMqttStatusReply` (`:207`), `formatMqttStatsReply` (`:263`),
+  `formatSlotDiagReply` (`:397`) -- same singleton + live `_slots[]` reads.
+
+Consumers: CLI (`CommonCLI_Observer.cpp:726, :728, :791`) and the app-layer
+stats JSON (`examples/simple_repeater/MyMesh.cpp:1423`, mirrored in
+`examples/simple_room_server/MyMesh.cpp:1050`). **Refined premise:**
+`WebConfigServer.cpp` itself reads only a compile-time constant
+(`getMaxActiveSlots`, `:479`); the live-bridge web reads are in `buildStatsJson`
+in the `MyMesh.cpp` app layer.
+
+### 2. Instance reads that survive `end()`
+
+`AlertReporter` (Core 1, `onLoop`, `AlertReporter.cpp:208`) reads live `_slots[]`
+via instance methods it reaches through its own `_bridge` pointer
+(`AlertReporter.cpp:281` `isSlotEnabledAndAttempted`, `:285`
+`getSlotCurrentOutageStartMs`, `:296`/`:311` `getSlotPresetName`). The stats
+JSON also calls `bridge->getQueueSize()` (`MyMesh.cpp:1419`).
+
+**Refined premise (teardown hazard):** `end()` nulls only
+`s_mqtt_bridge_instance`. The app's `bridge` pointer and `AlertReporter::_bridge`
+are **not** cleared by `end()`, so these instance reads can touch a torn-down
+bridge. (`getConnectedBrokers()` at `MQTTBridge.cpp:3676` is defined but has
+zero consumers.)
+
+### 3. `volatile` cross-core handshakes
+
+Plain `volatile` flags (no atomics/barriers), Core 1 sets the request, Core 0
+clears/processes and writes a "done" flag last, Core 1 spins:
+
+- `_slot_reconfigure_pending[]` -- set `MQTTBridge.cpp:2057` (Core 1), read/clear
+  `:1118` (Core 0).
+- `_ntp_force_{requested,done,result}` -- request `:3298`, process `:1063-1068`,
+  spin-wait `:3308-3315`.
+- `_ntp_diag_{requested,done}` (+ non-volatile `_ntp_diag_results[]`) -- request
+  `:3344`, process `:1073-1076`, spin-wait `:3347`.
+
+The two blocking waiters (`requestForcedNtpSync` `:3298`, `ntpDiag` `:3344`) spin
+on Core 1 while `end()` could tear down the singleton/task concurrently.
+
+### 4. Abrupt teardown, no start guard -- RESOLVED in Phase 5
+
+Original hazard (retained for context): `end()` used
+`vTaskDelete(_mqtt_task_handle)` to kill the task wherever it was (possibly
+mid-`_slots[]` mutation or inside mbedTLS), then ran slot/client cleanup *after*
+deletion on the caller's context -- the OTA teardown heap-panic path. `begin()`
+had no double-call guard, and lifecycle state was a single `_initialized` bool.
+
+**Phase 5 resolution** (branch `phase5/cooperative-mqtt-shutdown`):
+
+- `end()` now requests a cooperative stop through `MQTTLifecycle::Coordinator`.
+  The MQTT task (Core 0) tears down its own clients where the mbedTLS contexts
+  live, acknowledges via `_stop_acked`, and self-terminates; `end()` waits for
+  the ack before freeing the queue/buffers. The blind `vTaskDelete` survives
+  only as the bounded-timeout fallback, which sets a dirty latch that withholds
+  OTA flashing (`canFlashAfterStop()`).
+- `begin()` has an idempotent double-call guard and drives the Coordinator to
+  `Running`; the lifecycle state now lives in the tested state machine, not a
+  bare bool.
+- The OTA barrier gates `simple_repeater`'s deferred flash on a clean stop.
+
+The shutdown path and timeout were subsequently hardware-characterized. The
+flat 8-second placeholder was replaced by a per-stop budget of 5 seconds plus
+8 seconds per enabled slot. A two-WSS-slot stop that previously timed out
+acknowledged cleanly in about 11.7 seconds within its 21-second budget. The
+residual Section 1/Section 2 instance-pointer reads remain deferred, so those
+consumers can still touch live or torn-down bridge state as tracked above.
+
+## Remaining target primitives
+
+- **Task notifications or a command queue** for one-way lifecycle / reconfigure
+  / NTP requests -- replacing every `volatile` flag in Section 3.
+- **Immutable published snapshots** for WebConfig, CLI diagnostics, and alerting
+  -- the MQTT task publishes a plain-data `SlotStatusSnapshot` (owned char
+  buffers + scalars, no live pointers) that Section 1/Section 2 consumers read. This also
+  removes the "instance pointer survives `end()`" hazard because consumers stop
+  dereferencing the live bridge.
+- **Atomics** only for truly independent scalar state.
+- **A mutex** only where ownership transfer or snapshot publication cannot
+  express the operation cleanly.
+
+## Lifecycle contract (the test seam)
+
+`src/helpers/MQTTLifecycle.h` encodes the cooperative lifecycle implemented by
+Phase 5 as a pure state machine plus a narrow injected `Ops` seam
+(clock / task control / resource owner / OTA barrier). The invariants proven by
+`test/test_mqtt_lifecycle/` and preserved by the production wiring are:
+
+- `Stopped -> Starting -> Running -> StopRequested -> Stopping -> Stopped`.
+- Idempotent start and stop; safe restart only from `Stopped` (`mayRestart`).
+- New connects/publishes/retries/reconfigurations cease once a stop is requested
+  (`acceptsNewWork`).
+- Resources are released **only** after a stop acknowledgment (or the reviewed
+  timeout fallback) -- never mid-run.
+- A late/stale callback consults `mayTouchOwnedState()` and is a no-op once the
+  owner has released resources.
+- Bounded stop timeout -> reviewed fallback (models replacing the abrupt
+  `vTaskDelete`).
+- **OTA barrier:** `mayBeginFlash()` is true only after a **clean** stop
+  acknowledgment; a timed-out stop leaves flashing blocked so OTA aborts rather
+  than writing under uncertain ownership.
+
+### Hardware characterization result
+
+WSS teardown was measured as roughly 5-6 seconds per slot and is sequential.
+Production now sets the coordinator timeout to `5 s + 8 s * enabled_slots`.
+Representative non-PSRAM and PSRAM start/stop matrices found no downward heap
+or largest-block trend; multi-day soak, task-stack high-water, and exhaustive
+callback ordering remain outside that run.
+
+## Implementation status after Phase 5
+
+- Publishing the plain-data snapshot and repointing the Section 1/Section 2 consumers at it.
+- Replacing the Section 3 `volatile` handshakes with a command queue / task
+  notifications.
+- **Completed:** the cooperative shutdown state machine in `MQTTBridge`, the
+  `begin()` double-call guard, slot-scaled timeout, and OTA teardown barrier.
+
+Historical note: `MQTTBridge.cpp` was intentionally untouched during Phase 4;
+Phase 5 later made the planned lifecycle changes as one reviewable unit.
@@ -0,0 +1,166 @@
+# SNMP Agent for MeshCore Observer Firmware
+
+This document describes the optional SNMP v2c agent that allows network monitoring tools to poll MeshCore observer nodes for health and performance metrics.
+
+## Overview
+
+The SNMP agent exposes radio statistics, MQTT connectivity status, memory usage, and network information via standard SNMP v2c GET/GETNEXT/GETBULK operations. It is designed for use with monitoring tools such as Nagios, Zabbix, LibreNMS, PRTG, or any SNMP-capable system.
+
+- **Protocol**: SNMPv2c (read-only, no SET support)
+- **Port**: UDP 161 (standard SNMP)
+- **Library**: [0neblock/SNMP_Agent](https://github.com/0neblock/Arduino_SNMP)
+- **Disabled by default** -- must be explicitly enabled via CLI
+
+## Quick Start
+
+```bash
+# Enable SNMP
+set snmp on
+reboot
+
+# Verify from a host on the same network
+snmpwalk -v2c -c public <device-ip> 1.3.6.1.4.1.99999
+```
+
+## CLI Commands
+
+| Command | Description |
+|---|---|
+| `get snmp` | Show SNMP agent status (`on` / `off`) |
+| `set snmp on` | Enable SNMP agent (restart required) |
+| `set snmp off` | Disable SNMP agent (restart required) |
+| `get snmp.community` | Show SNMP community string |
+| `set snmp.community <string>` | Set community string (restart required, default: `public`) |
+
+## OID Reference
+
+All OIDs are under the private enterprise subtree `1.3.6.1.4.1.99999` (`.iso.org.dod.internet.private.enterprises.99999`).
+
+### System (.1.x.0)
+
+| OID | Type | Description |
+|---|---|---|
+| `.1.1.0` | INTEGER | System uptime (seconds) |
+| `.1.2.0` | STRING | Firmware version |
+| `.1.3.0` | STRING | Node name |
+
+### Radio (.2.x.0)
+
+| OID | Type | Description |
+|---|---|---|
+| `.2.1.0` | INTEGER | Total packets received |
+| `.2.2.0` | INTEGER | Total packets sent |
+| `.2.3.0` | INTEGER | Receive errors (CRC failures, etc.) |
+| `.2.4.0` | INTEGER | Noise floor (dBm) |
+| `.2.5.0` | INTEGER | Last RSSI (dBm) |
+| `.2.6.0` | INTEGER | Last SNR (dB x 4) |
+| `.2.7.0` | INTEGER | Flood packets sent |
+| `.2.8.0` | INTEGER | Direct packets sent |
+| `.2.9.0` | INTEGER | Flood packets received |
+| `.2.10.0` | INTEGER | Direct packets received |
+| `.2.11.0` | INTEGER | Total air time (seconds) |
+
+### MQTT (.3.x.0)
+
+| OID | Type | Description |
+|---|---|---|
+| `.3.1.0` | INTEGER | Connected MQTT slot count |
+| `.3.2.0` | INTEGER | Packet queue depth |
+| `.3.3.0` | INTEGER | Skipped publishes (memory pressure) |
+
+### Memory (.4.x.0)
+
+| OID | Type | Description |
+|---|---|---|
+| `.4.1.0` | INTEGER | Free heap (bytes) |
+| `.4.2.0` | INTEGER | Max allocatable block (bytes) |
+| `.4.3.0` | INTEGER | Free internal RAM (bytes) |
+| `.4.4.0` | INTEGER | Free PSRAM (bytes, 0 if no PSRAM) |
+
+### Network (.5.x.0)
+
+| OID | Type | Description |
+|---|---|---|
+| `.5.1.0` | INTEGER | WiFi RSSI (dBm) |
+
+## Example Output
+
+```
+$ snmpwalk -v2c -c public 192.168.50.95 1.3.6.1.4.1.99999
+
+SNMPv2-SMI::enterprises.99999.1.1.0 = INTEGER: 18        # uptime 18s
+SNMPv2-SMI::enterprises.99999.1.2.0 = STRING: "v1.14.1"  # firmware
+SNMPv2-SMI::enterprises.99999.1.3.0 = STRING: "Heltec Repeater"
+SNMPv2-SMI::enterprises.99999.2.1.0 = INTEGER: 3         # 3 packets received
+SNMPv2-SMI::enterprises.99999.2.4.0 = INTEGER: -96       # noise floor -96 dBm
+SNMPv2-SMI::enterprises.99999.2.5.0 = INTEGER: -25       # last RSSI -25 dBm
+SNMPv2-SMI::enterprises.99999.4.1.0 = INTEGER: 199612    # ~195 KB free heap
+SNMPv2-SMI::enterprises.99999.4.2.0 = INTEGER: 188404    # ~184 KB max alloc
+SNMPv2-SMI::enterprises.99999.5.1.0 = INTEGER: -22       # WiFi RSSI -22 dBm
+```
+
+## Architecture
+
+The SNMP agent runs inside the existing MQTT FreeRTOS task on Core 0 (the WiFi/network core). No additional task is created.
+
+- **Radio stats** are pushed from Core 1 (mesh task) every 2 seconds via `updateRadioStats()`
+- **MQTT stats** are updated from Core 0 each MQTT task loop iteration
+- **Memory and WiFi stats** are read directly in the SNMP loop on Core 0
+
+The agent starts automatically once WiFi connects and `snmp_enabled = 1` in prefs. It adds approximately 2-3 KB RAM overhead plus per-OID handler storage.
+
+## Build Configuration
+
+SNMP is enabled at compile time with the `WITH_SNMP=1` build flag. It is
+currently included in these observer firmware targets:
+
+- `Heltec_v3_repeater_observer_mqtt`
+- `Heltec_v3_room_server_observer_mqtt`
+- `Heltec_WSL3_repeater_observer_mqtt`
+- `Heltec_WSL3_room_server_observer_mqtt`
+- `heltec_v4_repeater_observer_mqtt`
+- `heltec_v4_room_server_observer_mqtt`
+- `heltec_v4_expansionkit_repeater_observer_mqtt`
+- `heltec_v4_expansionkit_room_server_observer_mqtt`
+- `Station_G2_repeater_observer_mqtt`
+- `Station_G2_room_server_observer_mqtt`
+- `Station_G3_ESP32_repeater_observer_mqtt`
+- `Station_G3_ESP32_room_server_observer_mqtt`
+- `RAK_3112_repeater_observer_mqtt`
+- `RAK_3112_room_server_observer_mqtt`
+- `ThinkNode_M7_repeater_observer_mqtt`
+- `ThinkNode_M7_room_server_observer_mqtt`
+
+The build flag in each variant's `platformio.ini` is authoritative; update this
+list whenever SNMP is added to or removed from an environment.
+
+To add SNMP to another observer variant, add the following to its `platformio.ini`:
+
+```ini
+build_flags =
+  ...
+  -D WITH_SNMP=1
+
+build_src_filter =
+  ...
+  +<helpers/SNMPAgent.cpp>
+
+lib_deps =
+  ...
+  0neblock/SNMP_Agent
+```
+
+## Files
+
+| File | Description |
+|---|---|
+| `src/helpers/SNMPAgent.h` | SNMP agent wrapper class declaration |
+| `src/helpers/SNMPAgent.cpp` | OID registration and stats update implementation |
+| `src/helpers/CommonCLI.h` | `NodePrefs` struct (`snmp_enabled`, `snmp_community` fields) |
+| `src/helpers/CommonCLI.cpp` | CLI command parsing and prefs persistence |
+| `src/helpers/bridges/MQTTBridge.cpp` | SNMP loop integration in `mqttTaskLoop()` |
+| `examples/simple_repeater/MyMesh.cpp` | Radio stats push and agent initialization |
+
+## Private Enterprise Number
+
+The OIDs currently use a temporary unregistered enterprise number (`99999`). A proper Private Enterprise Number (PEN) can be registered with IANA at no cost at https://www.iana.org/assignments/enterprise-numbers/assignment/apply/.
@@ -2,23 +2,29 @@

 MeshCore is a lightweight, portable C++ library that enables multi-hop packet routing for embedded projects using LoRa and other packet radios. It is designed for developers who want to create resilient, decentralized communication networks that work without the internet.

-## 🔍 What is MeshCore?
+## [SEARCH] What is MeshCore?

 MeshCore now supports a range of LoRa devices, allowing for easy flashing without the need to compile firmware manually. Users can flash a pre-built binary using tools like Adafruit ESPTool and interact with the network through a serial console.
 MeshCore provides the ability to create wireless mesh networks, similar to Meshtastic and Reticulum but with a focus on lightweight multi-hop packet routing for embedded projects. Unlike Meshtastic, which is tailored for casual LoRa communication, or Reticulum, which offers advanced networking, MeshCore balances simplicity with scalability, making it ideal for custom embedded solutions, where devices (nodes) can communicate over long distances by relaying messages through intermediate nodes. This is especially useful in off-grid, emergency, or tactical situations where traditional communication infrastructure is unavailable.

-## ⚡ Key Features
+> **WiFi and MQTT** - Prebuilt observer firmware, release notes, and browser-based
+> flashing are available at [observer.gessaman.com](https://observer.gessaman.com/).
+> See [WiFi and MQTT by Firmware Type](./docs/WiFi.md) for the
+> role/build matrix and setup overview. For the complete MQTT command and
+> broker reference, see the [MQTT Implementation Guide](./MQTT_IMPLEMENTATION.md).
+
+## [LIGHTNING] Key Features

 * Multi-Hop Packet Routing
  * Devices can forward messages across multiple nodes, extending range beyond a single radio's reach.
  * Supports up to a configurable number of hops to balance network efficiency and prevent excessive traffic.
-  * Nodes use fixed roles where "Companion" nodes are not repeating messages at all to prevent adverse routing paths from being used.
-* Supports LoRa Radios – Works with Heltec, RAK Wireless, and other LoRa-based hardware.
-* Decentralized & Resilient – No central server or internet required; the network is self-healing.
-* Low Power Consumption – Ideal for battery-powered or solar-powered devices.
-* Simple to Deploy – Pre-built example applications make it easy to get started.
+  * Companion nodes do not repeat by default. Supported Companion builds can opt into bounded client repeating on permitted frequencies, while dedicated repeaters remain the normal way to extend coverage.
+* Supports LoRa Radios - Works with Heltec, RAK Wireless, and other LoRa-based hardware.
+* Decentralized & Resilient - No central server or internet required; the network is self-healing.
+* Low Power Consumption - Ideal for battery-powered or solar-powered devices.
+* Simple to Deploy - Pre-built example applications make it easy to get started.

-## 🎯 What Can You Use MeshCore For?
+## [TARGET] What Can You Use MeshCore For?

 * Off-Grid Communication: Stay connected even in remote areas.
 * Emergency Response & Disaster Recovery: Set up instant networks where infrastructure is down.
@@ -26,7 +32,7 @@ MeshCore provides the ability to create wireless mesh networks, similar to Mesht
 * Tactical & Security Applications: Military, law enforcement, and private security use cases.
 * IoT & Sensor Networks: Collect data from remote sensors and relay it back to a central location.

-## 🚀 How to Get Started
+## [ROCKET] How to Get Started

 - Watch the [MeshCore QuickStart Playlist](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaFltojJrAc&list=PLshzThxhw4O4WU_iZo3NmNZOv6KMrUuF9) by The Comms Channel
 - Watch the [MeshCore Technical Presentation](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwmkVkZQTf4) by Liam Cottle.
@@ -48,7 +54,7 @@ For developers:

 The Simple Secure Chat example can be interacted with through the Serial Monitor in Visual Studio Code, or with a Serial USB Terminal on Android.

-## ⚡️ MeshCore Flasher
+## [LIGHTNING] MeshCore Flasher

 We have prebuilt firmware ready to flash on supported devices.

@@ -58,7 +64,7 @@ We have prebuilt firmware ready to flash on supported devices.
  - Companion, Repeater or Room Server
 - Once flashing is complete, you can connect with one of the MeshCore clients below.

-## 📱 MeshCore Clients
+## [PHONE] MeshCore Clients

 **Companion Firmware**

@@ -67,8 +73,8 @@ The companion firmware can be connected to via BLE, USB or Wi-Fi depending on th
 - Web: https://app.meshcore.nz
 - Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.liamcottle.meshcore.android
 - iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/meshcore/id6742354151?platform=iphone
- NodeJS: https://github.com/liamcottle/meshcore.js
- Python: https://github.com/fdlamotte/meshcore-cli
+- NodeJS: https://github.com/meshcore-dev/meshcore.js
+- Python: https://github.com/meshcore-dev/meshcore-cli

 **Repeater and Room Server Firmware**

@@ -78,11 +84,11 @@ The repeater and room server firmware can be set up via USB in the web config to

 They can also be managed via LoRa in the mobile app by using the Remote Management feature.

-## 🛠 Hardware Compatibility
+## [TOOLS] Hardware Compatibility

 MeshCore is designed for devices listed in the [MeshCore Flasher](https://meshcore.io/flasher)

-## 📜 License
+## [SCROLL] License

 MeshCore is open-source software released under the MIT License. You are free to use, modify, and distribute it for personal and commercial projects.

@@ -94,7 +100,7 @@ For minor changes just submit your PR and we'll try to review it, but for anythi
 Here are some general principles you should try to adhere to:
 * Keep it simple. Please, don't think like a high-level lang programmer. Think embedded, and keep code concise, without any unnecessary layers.
 * No dynamic memory allocation, except during setup/begin functions.
-* Use the same brace and indenting style that's in the core source modules. (A .clang-format is probably going to be added soon, but please do NOT retroactively re-format existing code. This just creates unnecessary diffs that make finding problems harder)
+* Follow the repository's `.clang-format` and the surrounding source style. Do not retroactively reformat unrelated code; that creates noisy diffs and makes functional changes harder to review.

 Help us prioritize! Please react with thumbs-up to issues/PRs you care about most. We look at reaction counts when planning work.

@@ -114,15 +120,16 @@ There are a number of fairly major features in the pipeline, with no particular
 - [X] Standardise Bridge mode for repeaters
 - [ ] Repeater/Bridge: Standardise the Transport Codes for zoning/filtering
 - [X] Core + Repeater: enhanced zero-hop neighbour discovery
- [ ] Core: round-trip manual path support
- [ ] Companion + Apps: support for multiple sub-meshes (and 'off-grid' client repeat mode)
+- [X] Core + Full Companion: round-trip trace and manual path support
+- [X] Companion: opt-in off-grid client repeat mode
+- [ ] Companion + Apps: support for multiple sub-meshes
 - [ ] Core + Apps: support for LZW message compression
- [ ] Core: dynamic CR (Coding Rate) for weak vs strong hops
+- [X] Core: adaptive CR (Coding Rate) for direct retries using recently heard SNR
 - [ ] Core: new framework for hosting multiple virtual nodes on one physical device
 - [ ] V2 protocol spec: discussion and consensus around V2 packet protocol, including path hashes, new encryption specs, etc

-## 📞 Get Support
+## [TELEPHONE] Get Support

- Report bugs and request features on the [GitHub Issues](https://github.com/ripplebiz/MeshCore/issues) page.
+- Report bugs and request features on the [GitHub Issues](https://github.com/meshcore-dev/MeshCore/issues) page.
 - Find additional guides and components on [my site](https://buymeacoffee.com/ripplebiz).
 - Join [MeshCore Discord](https://meshcore.gg) to chat with the developers and get help from the community.
@@ -0,0 +1,95 @@
+# Restoring accidentally-reverted upstream features
+
+> **Historical recovery record, reconciled 2026-08-18.** Phase 1 and Phase 2
+> described below have been implemented in the current tree. This file explains
+> why the restoration occurred; use the CLI and build documentation for current
+> behavior rather than treating the old “remaining” text as an active plan.
+
+## Background
+
+On 2026-03-20, commit `22eb9b87` - *Revert "Merge remote-tracking branch 'origin/dev' into mqtt-bridge-implementation"* - reverted an entire upstream merge to escape a bad merge state, deleting 860 lines across 66 files. That was not intentional feature removal; it wholesale dropped a batch of upstream progress. When upstream was later re-merged, some collateral came back (MicroNMEA `claim()/release()`, the GAT562 board) but several upstream features were never reconciled and remained missing.
+
+This branch restores them. They are **pure upstream code the fork accidentally dropped**, so restoring re-aligns the fork with upstream and *reduces* the future merge-conflict surface rather than adding to it.
+
+## Phase 1 - duty-cycle enforcement (done on this branch)
+
+Restored the token-bucket duty-cycle enforcement and its cluster:
+
+- `src/Dispatcher.{h,cpp}` - restored upstream's `updateTxBudget()`, `tx_budget_ms`,
+  `duty_cycle_window_ms`, `getRemainingTxBudget()`, `getDutyCycleWindowMs()`, and the
+  windowed `checkSend()`/`loop()` budget logic. The fork's MQTT **radio watchdog** was
+  re-applied on top as pure additions (behind `#ifdef WITH_MQTT_BRIDGE`).
+- `src/helpers/StaticPoolPacketManager.{h,cpp}` - restored `getOutboundTotal()` and the
+  `0xFFFFFFFF` count-all sentinel in `countBefore()`.
+- `src/helpers/StatsFormatHelper.h` - restored the `getOutboundTotal()` call; kept the
+  fork's `formatRadioDiag` template.
+
+Net effect: these files now diverge from upstream by **watchdog additions only (0 deletions)**
+instead of rewriting upstream's TX logic.
+
+### Why this is safe (no reinterpretation of stored settings)
+
+`getAirtimeBudgetFactor()` changed *meaning* between fork and upstream, but the resulting
+duty cycle is the **same formula**:
+- Fork: `next_tx = t * factor` -> duty ~ `1/(1+factor)`
+- Upstream: `duty = 1/(1+factor)` enforced over a rolling window
+
+So a device's stored `airtime_factor` (a `NodePrefs` field, unchanged) keeps its meaning.
+The only behavioral difference is upstream enforces it over a 1-hour window (allowing
+short bursts) instead of rigid per-packet spacing - a strict improvement, and the
+mechanism that keeps EU 868 MHz nodes under the legally-mandated duty cycle.
+
+### Must be validated on-device before merge
+
+This touches core TX timing. Confirm on hardware - **all device-confirmed 2026-07-09/10
+on a Heltec V4.2 (busy live mesh + off-frequency bench):**
+- [OK] Normal traffic still flows (repeater forwards, observer uplinks).
+- [OK] Sustained TX is throttled to the configured duty cycle: at `set dutycycle 1` on a
+  busy mesh, TX pinned to ~1% while MQTT capture continued at full rate (after the
+  `RxReservePacketManager` fixes below). Remote admin remains usable under throttle
+  with the priority-shed + stale-expiry policy.
+- [OK] CAD enabled under load: TX, capture, and CLI all normal.
+- [OK] The observer radio watchdog fires and recovers non-destructively: with
+  `radio.watchdog 1` on a silent frequency, `err_flags` bit 8 set, radio remained in
+  RX state through repeated recovery cycles, and packets were still received after.
+  Note: firings are invisible on release builds (no MESH_DEBUG) - check
+  `stats-radio-diag` `err_flags`; the watchdog arms only after first radio activity
+  (`last_active > 0`), so a radio wedged from boot is deliberately not covered.
+
+At the time of that review, the remaining undraft recommendation was a passive
+soak at the fleet-default `airtime_factor` (duty convergence, flat heap, and
+continued adverts). That sentence is retained as historical validation scope,
+not as the current branch's merge state.
+
+### Known interaction: throttling starves MQTT capture (mitigated)
+
+Found during the on-device duty-cycle load test (`set dutycycle 1`): queued
+retransmissions hold static-pool packets with no expiry, so heavy throttling parks the
+whole pool in the send queue. `Dispatcher::checkRecv()` then drops received packets
+before `logRx()` runs, capping MQTT capture at the TX rate (each TX frees one packet
+for one RX). Parked repeats also absorb every budget refill, starving the node's own
+CLI responses - device-confirmed: a 1%-duty node on a busy mesh became
+un-administrable within ~2 minutes. This is inherent upstream behavior - the old
+fork's `next_tx` spacing had the same steady-state drain - but it defeats the
+observer's purpose. Mitigated on observer builds by `RxReservePacketManager`
+(`src/helpers/RxReservePacketManager.h`): priority-aware shedding below a pool
+reserve (own responses/ACKs stay queueable) plus 30 s expiry of stale queued
+outbound. See MQTT_INTERNALS.md "Capture vs. duty-cycle throttling".
+
+## Phase 2 - CAD and FEM RX gain (completed)
+
+The current tree contains both restored capabilities:
+
+- **`cad_enabled`** is present in common preferences, load/save paths, and the
+  `get/set cad` CLI. Repeater, room-server, sensor, and Companion integrations
+  feed it to `RadioLibWrapper::setCADEnabled()`. Target-default builds default
+  CAD off; the Cascade profile supplies `DEFAULT_CAD_ENABLED=1`.
+- **`radio_fem_rxgain`** is persisted and exposed as
+  `get/set radio.fem.rxgain`. Supported boards implement
+  `setLoRaFemLnaEnabled()`; unsupported boards reject the operation rather than
+  claiming a state change. Companion protocol v13 also exposes FEM RX-gain get
+  and set commands.
+
+See [CLI commands](docs/cli_commands.md) and the
+[command availability matrix](docs/cli_command_availability.md) for current
+syntax and build/hardware limits.
@@ -7,8 +7,11 @@ fixes to older versions.

 | Version | Supported |
 |---------|-----------|
-| 1.15+ | ✅ |
-| <1.15 | ❌ |
+| Latest published release | [OK] |
+| Older releases | [X] |
+
+The table is intentionally release-relative rather than tied to a minor version:
+when a new release is published, the previously latest release becomes unsupported.

 ## Reporting a Vulnerability

@@ -52,6 +55,6 @@ Out of scope:
 - Physical access attacks (e.g., JTAG, UART extraction of keys)
 - Regulatory compliance (duty cycle, frequency restrictions)
 - Jamming or other physical-layer radio interference
- Issues in third-party libraries (RadioLib, Crypto, etc.) — report those
+- Issues in third-party libraries (RadioLib, Crypto, etc.) - report those
  upstream
 - "Best practice" suggestions without a demonstrated attack path
@@ -0,0 +1,122 @@
+# Upstream Bug Candidates
+
+Bugs in code this fork inherits from upstream (`meshcore-dev/dev`), each with the
+fix we would propose upstream. Any fork-local workaround is recorded so it can be
+dropped once upstream lands a real fix.
+
+Status: **open** (not reported) * **reported** (issue/PR filed) * **landed**
+(upstream fixed, fork workaround removable).
+
+---
+
+## 1. Neighbour "heard" ages are derived from a steppable wall clock
+
+**Status:** open
+**Files:** `examples/simple_repeater/MyMesh.cpp`, `examples/simple_room_server/MyMesh.cpp`
+**Impact:** wrong ages reported to companion apps, CLI, and (in this fork) MQTT. No crash.
+
+### Symptom
+
+A repeater published a neighbour age of 69681995 seconds -- 806 days -- for two of
+three neighbours that had just answered a live query (capture abridged; see
+`MQTT_IMPLEMENTATION.md` for the full payload shape):
+
+```json
+{"timestamp":"2026-07-30T22:59:09.000000+00:00","total_neighbors":3,
+ "neighbors":[
+   {"pubkey":"0CE5EA7C...","snr":12.5,"heard_secs_ago":57,"status":"responded"},
+   {"pubkey":"B0D17C59...","snr":12.5,"heard_secs_ago":69681995,"status":"responded"},
+   {"pubkey":"D19BEE16...","snr":12.25,"heard_secs_ago":69681995,"status":"responded"}]}
+```
+
+### Root cause
+
+`heard_secs_ago` is a *relative* quantity computed by subtracting two samples of
+an *absolute* wall clock that can step by years mid-session.
+
+`putNeighbour()` stamps `heard_timestamp = getRTCClock()->getCurrentTime()` when a
+zero-hop advert or node-discover reply arrives (`MyMesh.cpp:93`). On a cold boot
+the radio is receiving within a second or two, while the clock is still at the
+firmware's unset default -- `1715770351`, 15 May 2024 (`src/helpers/ArduinoHelpers.h`,
+`src/helpers/ESP32Board.h`). NTP (or an admin over the CLI) then steps the clock
+forward by years, and every later reader subtracts the two:
+
+```
+publish epoch          1785452349   (2026-07-30T22:59:09Z)
+- reported age           69681995
+= stored heard_timestamp 1715770354   = unset-clock default + 3 s of uptime
+```
+
+So both stale entries were stamped 3 seconds after boot. The entries do not
+self-heal: `putNeighbour()` is the only writer of `heard_timestamp`, so an entry
+stays wrong until that specific neighbour is physically heard again. In the capture
+above the two stale neighbours missed the node-discover refresh (responder-side
+rate limit `discover_limiter`, a reply collision, or firmware without
+`CTL_TYPE_NODE_DISCOVER_RESP`) yet still answered a direct query -- hence
+`"status":"responded"` next to a 2-year age.
+
+Deferring the *read* until after time sync does not fix this. The bad value is
+written at packet-reception time, which on any cold boot precedes WiFi and NTP.
+
+### Affected readers
+
+| Path | Location |
+| --- | --- |
+| Companion `REQ_TYPE_GET_NEIGHBOURS` binary reply | `MyMesh.cpp:404` |
+| CLI `neighbors` text output | `MyMesh.cpp:1350` |
+| MQTT neighbors JSON (fork-only) | `MyMesh.cpp:2036` |
+
+### Proposed upstream fix
+
+Stamp neighbours from a monotonic source and derive every age from that:
+
+- add `uint32_t heard_millis` to `NeighbourInfo`, set from `millis()` in
+  `putNeighbour()` alongside the existing wall-clock stamp;
+- compute every "seconds ago" readout as `(now_millis - heard_millis) / 1000`
+  using the unsigned-subtraction idiom already used by `millisHasNowPassed()` /
+  `futureMillis()`, which is immune to clock steps and stays correct across one
+  32-bit rollover;
+- clamp the result to a documented maximum so an entry untouched for longer than
+  the 49.7-day `millis()` period cannot alias back to a small age;
+- keep `heard_timestamp` for anything that needs an absolute instant -- sort order
+  is equivalent under either field.
+
+Cost: 4 bytes x `MAX_NEIGHBOURS` of RAM.
+
+### Fork-local containment (in place)
+
+Not a substitute for the above; it stops the fork from publishing a fabricated
+number while upstream still stamps from the wall clock.
+
+- `finishNeighborDiscover()` reports the age as unknown -- `"heard_secs_ago":null`
+  -- when the stored stamp predates `MQTTConnectionPolicy::kSyncedClockEpoch`
+  (2025-01-01, above the unset-clock default) while the current clock is past it,
+  or when the clock has stepped backwards. Previously a backwards clock reported
+  `0`, i.e. "heard just now".
+- `handleNeighborDiscoverResponse()` re-stamps `heard_timestamp` on a zero-hop
+  scope reply, in both the snapshot and the live table. The reply is proof of
+  reception, so entries now heal once per discovery cycle instead of waiting for
+  the neighbour's next advert. This would have made 2 of the 3 entries above
+  correct.
+- Publish ordering places known ages before unknown ones, so an unusable stamp
+  cannot masquerade as the freshest entry when the JSON buffer truncates.
+
+---
+
+## 2. Neighbour age subtraction is unclamped in the companion and CLI readouts
+
+**Status:** open
+**Files:** `examples/simple_repeater/MyMesh.cpp:404`, `:1350` (and the room-server twins)
+**Impact:** age underflows to ~4.29e9 instead of a sane value.
+
+Both readers subtract without checking ordering:
+
+```cpp
+uint32_t heard_seconds_ago = getRTCClock()->getCurrentTime() - neighbour->heard_timestamp;
+```
+
+Any state where `heard_timestamp > now` -- clock stepped backwards by NTP or an
+admin, or a stamp taken before a backwards step -- wraps the unsigned result to
+near `UINT32_MAX`. Distinct from #1 in that it is a missing guard rather than the
+choice of clock: worth fixing on its own even before the monotonic change, by
+clamping to `0` (or reporting "unknown", which is what the age actually is).
@@ -0,0 +1,519 @@
+# WebConfig Branch Review
+
+> **Historical review (2026-07-18).** This file preserves the findings against
+> the commits named below; its line numbers and present-tense statements are not
+> a current audit of the 2026-08-18 tree. Consult [docs/WiFi.md](docs/WiFi.md),
+> [MQTT_IMPLEMENTATION.md](MQTT_IMPLEMENTATION.md), and
+> [test/README.md](test/README.md) for current operation and test coverage.
+> Findings are left in their original form unless a resolution is explicitly
+> recorded.
+
+## Scope
+
+This review covers the fork-owned WebConfig and Heltec Tracker additions on the `webconfig` branch, principally commits `d7a7e1b6`, `dfee21a0`, and `639c07a4`, plus the fork-owned MQTT/CLI paths they invoke. Issues inherited unchanged from `meshcore-dev/MeshCore` are intentionally excluded.
+
+No implementation changes are included in this document.
+
+## Executive Summary
+
+The portal builds successfully and has a sound high-level design: HTTP handlers avoid directly running CLI/radio operations, configuration writes are marshalled to the loop task, secrets are represented by placeholders, and the UI is self-contained for offline provisioning.
+
+At review time, the most important work was:
+
+1. Secure setup/forced-AP reachability.
+2. Correlate each save with its own result.
+3. Prevent reboot after partially failed wizard saves.
+4. Make persisted Wi-Fi and MQTT settings match live runtime behavior.
+5. Remove cross-task preference/statistics races and long loop-task blocking.
+
+## Priority 1: Security and Data Integrity
+
+### 1. Forced AP mode exposes the unauthenticated setup API on the existing LAN
+
+**Severity:** High
+
+**Locations:**
+
+- `src/helpers/esp32/WebConfigServer.cpp:125-134`
+- `src/helpers/esp32/WebConfigServer.cpp:346-349`
+- `src/helpers/bridges/MQTTBridge.cpp:801-866`
+- `src/helpers/bridges/MQTTBridge.cpp:919-926`
+- `examples/simple_repeater/MyMesh.cpp:1329-1339`
+- `examples/simple_room_server/MyMesh.cpp:974-984`
+
+**Problem:**
+
+`MQTTBridge::end()` deliberately leaves the STA association connected. Forced setup then selects `WIFI_AP_STA`, starts the server on port 80, and disables authentication for all requests while `MODE_SETUP` is active. The server is therefore reachable through both the setup AP and the existing LAN connection.
+
+The comment that setup mode implies physical proximity is not valid in forced-AP mode. Any host on the existing LAN can read or change configuration and reboot the node without the admin password.
+
+**Suggested fix:**
+
+Choose one of these approaches:
+
+- Disconnect and disable STA before entering unauthenticated setup mode, leaving only the SoftAP interface active. If scanning requires STA mode, keep the interface enabled but explicitly disconnect it and prevent auto-reconnect.
+- Bind the setup listener only to the SoftAP interface if the ESPAsyncWebServer/network stack supports reliable interface binding.
+- Keep authentication enabled for setup-mode requests arriving through STA, while allowing unauthenticated requests only through the SoftAP interface.
+
+Add a hardware test that starts from an associated STA connection, stops the bridge, enters forced AP mode, and confirms that another LAN host cannot access `/api/config` or `/api/reboot` without authentication.
+
+### 2. Default provisioning sends credentials over an open HTTP network
+
+**Severity:** High
+
+**Locations:**
+
+- `src/helpers/esp32/WebConfigServer.cpp:130-134`
+- `src/helpers/esp32/WebConfigServer.cpp:346-349`
+- `src/helpers/esp32/WebConfigServer.cpp:530-598`
+
+**Problem:**
+
+No reviewed observer environment defines `WEBCONFIG_AP_PASSWORD`, so setup creates an open AP. Setup requests are unauthenticated and use plain HTTP. Wi-Fi passwords, MQTT passwords, and access tokens can be captured by another nearby station. A nearby party can also provision the device before the intended operator.
+
+**Suggested fix:**
+
+- Generate a unique per-device setup password from secure random data during first boot and show it on the display or a physical label.
+- Alternatively require a short-lived setup PIN displayed on-device and validated by the API before secrets can be submitted.
+- Add an explicit provisioning-session expiry and invalidate the setup credential after successful setup.
+- If an intentionally open AP remains supported, document the threat model prominently and avoid describing proximity as authentication.
+
+### 3. Save results are not correlated with the submitted batch
+
+**Severity:** High
+
+**Locations:**
+
+- `webui/index.html:630-680`
+- `src/helpers/esp32/WebConfigServer.cpp:547-550`
+- `src/helpers/esp32/WebConfigServer.cpp:601-641`
+
+**Problem:**
+
+The server keeps the last completed result readable. The frontend polls `/api/config/result` after nearly every POST failure because the POST may have reached the device even if its response was lost. There is no request or batch identity.
+
+A rejected, lost, or concurrent save can therefore consume a previous or different tab's result, report success, clear `st.dirty`, and overwrite unsaved values with the device configuration.
+
+**Suggested fix:**
+
+- Have the browser generate a random request ID and include it in the POST body.
+- Store that ID with the batch and include it in the 202 response and every result response.
+- Require the frontend to accept `pending` or `done` only when the ID matches.
+- Treat definite HTTP responses such as 400, 409, and 413 as final rejection; only poll after an ambiguous network failure.
+- Return the active request ID with 409 so the browser can distinguish its own retry from another client's batch.
+
+Add regression tests for stale `DONE`, two tabs, 409, lost 202, lost result response, and a POST that never reached the server.
+
+### 4. Failed wizard commands still cause partial application and reboot
+
+**Severity:** High
+
+**Locations:**
+
+- `src/helpers/esp32/WebConfigServer.cpp:265-297`
+- `src/helpers/esp32/WebConfigServer.cpp:624-637`
+- `webui/index.html:950-957`
+
+**Problem:**
+
+Commands are persisted independently. Error replies are recorded, but `_batch_reboot` still schedules a fallback reboot, and reading the result arms the three-second reboot without checking aggregate success. The wizard can display rejected settings while the device reboots with a partially applied configuration.
+
+**Suggested fix:**
+
+- Track aggregate batch success while draining commands.
+- Arm automatic reboot only if every required command succeeded.
+- If partial persistence cannot be rolled back, return an explicit `partial` state listing applied and rejected keys.
+- Keep the portal active after partial failure and present deliberate choices: correct and retry, or reboot with the partial configuration.
+- Longer term, validate all values before executing any setter, or stage a complete preference snapshot and commit it atomically.
+
+## Priority 2: Runtime Correctness
+
+### 5. LAN Wi-Fi edits do not perform the reconnect promised by the UI
+
+**Severity:** High
+
+**Locations:**
+
+- `webui/index.html:339-350`
+- `webui/index.html:630-641`
+- `src/helpers/CommonCLI_Observer.cpp:278-285`
+
+**Problem:**
+
+The Wi-Fi tab says the connection will restart and the page will drop. Normal editor saves do not request reboot, and the underlying setters only persist the SSID/password. The active connection remains on the old network, while subsequent config reads show the new persisted values.
+
+**Suggested fix:**
+
+Use an explicit `Save and reconnect` or `Save and reboot` flow for SSID/password changes. Deliver the result first, then schedule the reconnect/reboot. Do not replace the displayed active network with the persisted network until the transition has begun successfully.
+
+### 6. MQTT publishing controls report success without changing live behavior
+
+**Severity:** High
+
+**Locations:**
+
+- `webui/index.html:303-319`
+- `src/helpers/CommonCLI_Observer.cpp:215-238`
+- `src/helpers/bridges/MQTTBridge.cpp:637-645`
+
+**Problem:**
+
+Status, packet, raw, RX, and TX options are copied into cached bridge fields during initialization. Their CLI setters persist preferences but do not refresh those fields or restart the bridge. The UI reports success although the running bridge continues using old values.
+
+**Suggested fix:**
+
+- Add one task-safe bridge method that reloads the publishing flags from preferences on the MQTT task, or
+- coalesce these changes into one full bridge restart after the batch.
+
+If live application is not desirable, label these controls as restart-required and provide a reboot action instead of claiming immediate success.
+
+### 7. Custom MQTT endpoint edits do not reliably refresh the live slot
+
+**Severity:** High
+
+**Locations:**
+
+- `src/helpers/CommonCLI_Observer.cpp:385-425`
+- `examples/simple_repeater/MyMesh.cpp:1354-1367`
+- `examples/simple_room_server/MyMesh.cpp:999-1012`
+- `src/helpers/bridges/MQTTBridge.cpp:1066-1072`
+- `src/helpers/bridges/MQTTBridge.cpp:2076-2095`
+
+**Problem:**
+
+Custom server and port setters persist without requesting slot reconfiguration. Credential changes request reconfiguration, but the custom branch of `applySlotPreset()` reuses the existing slot fields instead of copying the current host, port, username, and password from preferences.
+
+**Suggested fix:**
+
+Create a single `reloadSlotFromPrefs(slot)` operation executed on the MQTT task. It should tear down the slot, copy every custom field and preset-dependent credential from `MQTTPrefs`, validate the complete endpoint, and then reconnect. Every slot-affecting CLI setter should queue that same operation rather than implementing partial restart behavior.
+
+### 8. Wizard review and validation mishandle intentionally cleared values
+
+**Severity:** Medium
+
+**Locations:**
+
+- `webui/index.html:907-929`
+- `webui/index.html:931-933`
+
+**Problem:**
+
+Review calculations use `dirtyValue || originalValue`. An intentional empty string is treated as absent, so Review shows the original SSID/password/name/identity/slot while the submitted batch clears it. Final SSID validation can pass using the old SSID even though the effective new value is empty.
+
+**Suggested fix:**
+
+Resolve values by key presence, not truthiness. Add a helper such as `effectiveValue(key)` that returns `st.dirty[key]` when the key exists in `st.dirty`, including `""`, and otherwise returns `st.orig[key]`. Use it for review, validation, and reboot messaging.
+
+### 9. A credential equal to `********` cannot be configured
+
+**Severity:** Low
+
+**Locations:**
+
+- `webui/index.html:422`
+- `webui/index.html:527-538`
+- `src/helpers/esp32/WebConfigServer.cpp:564`
+
+**Problem:**
+
+The secret sentinel is also a valid possible password/token. The UI either considers it unchanged or the backend silently drops it.
+
+**Suggested fix:**
+
+Track secret-field edit state separately from the displayed placeholder. Prefer an empty password control with an adjacent "stored credential unchanged" indicator. If retaining the sentinel, reject that exact value with a clear validation message rather than silently ignoring it.
+
+## Priority 3: Concurrency, Responsiveness, and Lifecycle
+
+### 10. The preference mutex does not synchronize reads with writes
+
+**Severity:** Medium
+
+**Locations:**
+
+- `src/helpers/esp32/WebConfigServer.cpp:454-523`
+- `src/helpers/esp32/WebConfigServer.cpp:265-280`
+- `src/helpers/CommonCLI.cpp:1074-1216`
+- `src/helpers/CommonCLI_Observer.cpp:198-486`
+
+**Problem:**
+
+`handleConfigGet()` takes `_mux` while reading preferences, but `drainBatch()` invokes CLI setters outside `_mux`. Those setters mutate the same strings and scalar fields. The lock therefore does not protect the data from concurrent async HTTP reads.
+
+**Suggested fix:**
+
+Prefer loop-task ownership: have the HTTP handler request a configuration snapshot, let `tick()` build it on the loop task, and return the immutable snapshot. If retaining direct reads, every writer must take the same mutex, with careful review to avoid holding it through flash writes or callbacks.
+
+### 11. Changing `mqtt.ntp` can block the main loop for up to 30 seconds
+
+**Severity:** Medium
+
+**Locations:**
+
+- `src/helpers/CommonCLI_Observer.cpp:249-272`
+- `src/helpers/bridges/MQTTBridge.cpp:3230-3247`
+- `src/helpers/esp32/WebConfigServer.cpp:275-280`
+
+**Problem:**
+
+Web batches run from `tick()` on the Arduino loop task. The NTP setter waits for the MQTT task in a polling loop that can last 30 seconds. During that period mesh/radio processing, portal DNS, further batch work, stats, and reboot timers stop progressing.
+
+**Suggested fix:**
+
+Persist and validate hostname syntax synchronously, then queue NTP synchronization without waiting. Represent NTP validation as a separate asynchronous operation/status result. The config batch should finish immediately and the UI can poll NTP validation independently.
+
+### 12. MQTT status snapshots read mutable cross-core state without synchronization
+
+**Severity:** Medium
+
+**Locations:**
+
+- `src/helpers/bridges/MQTTBridge.cpp:295-320`
+- `examples/simple_repeater/MyMesh.cpp:1403-1408`
+- `examples/simple_room_server/MyMesh.cpp:1048-1053`
+
+**Problem:**
+
+The loop task reads slot state and client counters while the MQTT task and callbacks mutate them. This can yield inconsistent snapshots and formal C++ data races.
+
+**Suggested fix:**
+
+Build a plain-data `SlotStatusSnapshot` array on the MQTT task and publish it atomically or under a shared lock. The web/loop side should read only the copied snapshot and should not call client methods cross-task.
+
+### 13. Fixed-delay server deletion does not prove connections have ended
+
+**Severity:** Medium, hardware/library stress-test required
+
+**Locations:**
+
+- `src/helpers/esp32/WebConfigServer.cpp:188-204`
+
+**Problem:**
+
+Stopping the listener and waiting two seconds does not establish that accepted slow or stalled clients have completed. Deleting the server and route lambdas while a request remains active risks use-after-free or crashes.
+
+**Suggested fix:**
+
+Use connection/request reference counting and finalize deletion only after all accepted requests disconnect, with an upper-bound recovery policy. If the library cannot expose lifecycle state safely, consider retaining one server instance for the firmware lifetime and enabling/disabling routes/listening without deleting captured handler state.
+
+### 14. Repeated starts permanently grow the global default-header list
+
+**Severity:** Medium
+
+**Location:**
+
+- `src/helpers/esp32/WebConfigServer.cpp:177-185`
+
+**Problem:**
+
+`DefaultHeaders::Instance().addHeader()` appends to a process-lifetime list on every server creation. Repeated start/stop cycles consume heap and add duplicate `Cache-Control` headers to every response.
+
+**Suggested fix:**
+
+Register the global header once through a static one-time guard, or avoid global headers and add `Cache-Control: no-store` to each WebConfig response.
+
+### 15. Stats polling can accumulate overlapping requests
+
+**Severity:** Low
+
+**Locations:**
+
+- `webui/index.html:717-747`
+
+**Problem:**
+
+A three-second `setInterval` starts a new request even if the previous fetch is still pending. Degraded Wi-Fi can accumulate requests and pressure both browser and ESP32 memory.
+
+**Suggested fix:**
+
+Schedule the next poll with `setTimeout` only after the current request settles. Add an in-flight guard and use the existing API timeout support.
+
+## Priority 4: Validation, Build, and Maintainability
+
+### 16. Malformed keys can cause out-of-bounds reads and invalid JSON errors
+
+**Severity:** Low
+
+**Locations:**
+
+- `src/helpers/esp32/WebConfigServer.cpp:41-59`
+- `src/helpers/esp32/WebConfigServer.cpp:554-562`
+
+**Problem:**
+
+Short attacker-supplied keys are indexed at positions 4 and 5 without first establishing their length. Rejected keys are interpolated into hand-built JSON without escaping quotes or backslashes.
+
+**Suggested fix:**
+
+Check the key length before `memcmp` and indexed access. Construct error responses with ArduinoJson rather than string interpolation.
+
+### 17. Input lengths do not match fixed firmware buffers
+
+**Severity:** Low
+
+**Locations:**
+
+- `webui/index.html` configuration controls
+- `src/helpers/CommonCLI.h:106-159`
+
+**Problem:**
+
+Several controls accept more text than the fixed `MQTTPrefs` fields retain. The CLI truncates values while the UI reports success.
+
+**Suggested fix:**
+
+Add `maxlength` values matching each destination buffer minus the NUL terminator, and validate lengths in the backend because client-side constraints are bypassable. Return a clear error instead of silently truncating.
+
+### 18. Generated HTML freshness relies only on timestamps
+
+**Severity:** Low
+
+**Location:**
+
+- `scripts/generate_webconfig_html.py:30-38`
+
+**Problem:**
+
+A generated header with a future timestamp can survive later source edits and embed stale UI code.
+
+**Suggested fix:**
+
+Use an explicit SCons source/target dependency or store the source hash in the generated header and regenerate whenever it differs. Deterministic gzip output can remain unchanged.
+
+### 19. Tracker v1.1 reports itself as Tracker V2
+
+**Severity:** Medium
+
+**Locations:**
+
+- `boards/heltec_tracker_v1_1.json:19,28`
+- `variants/heltec_tracker_v2/platformio.ini:61-109`
+- `variants/heltec_tracker_v2/HeltecTrackerV2Board.cpp:82-84`
+
+**Problem:**
+
+The v1.1 environment reuses the V2 board implementation, whose manufacturer name is hardcoded as `Heltec Tracker V2`. WebConfig and MQTT metadata therefore report the wrong board.
+
+**Suggested fix:**
+
+Return `Heltec Tracker V1.1` when `HELTEC_TRACKER_V1_1` is defined, and retain the V2 value otherwise. Add a build-time or host-side assertion for both target identities.
+
+### 20. WebConfig operation and security behavior are undocumented -- resolved
+
+**Severity:** Documentation gap
+
+**Locations:**
+
+- Commands added in `src/helpers/CommonCLI_Observer.cpp:982-994`
+- `MQTT_IMPLEMENTATION.md`
+
+**Resolution:**
+
+Current operator documentation covers first-boot setup, LAN and forced-AP
+modes, `start webconfig`, `start webconfig ap`, `stop webconfig`, authentication,
+timeouts, credential handling, and recovery. See
+[WiFi and MQTT by Firmware Type](docs/WiFi.md#mqtt-observer-setup) and
+[MQTT Implementation](MQTT_IMPLEMENTATION.md#browser-setup-recommended).
+
+### 21. Repeater and room-server integration is duplicated
+
+**Severity:** Optimization
+
+**Locations:**
+
+- `examples/simple_repeater/MyMesh.*`
+- `examples/simple_room_server/MyMesh.*`
+- Corresponding `UITask.cpp` files
+
+**Problem:**
+
+Lifecycle, restart coalescing, stats construction, and display behavior are implemented twice. Fixes can easily land in only one role.
+
+**Suggested fix:**
+
+Extract shared WebConfig callbacks, lifecycle ownership, and JSON snapshot helpers into a common observer helper. Keep role-specific radio/stat sources as injected callbacks.
+
+### 22. The HTML generator runs for every ESP32 build
+
+**Severity:** Optimization
+
+**Locations:**
+
+- `platformio.ini:57-72`
+
+**Problem:**
+
+The generator runs from `esp32_base` even when WebConfig is not compiled into the target.
+
+**Suggested fix:**
+
+Move the pre-script to MQTT observer environments or have the script inspect build flags and return immediately unless `WITH_MQTT_BRIDGE`/WebConfig is enabled.
+
+### 23. New observer targets enable MQTT debug logging
+
+**Severity:** Optimization
+
+**Locations:**
+
+- `variants/heltec_tracker_v2/platformio.ini:190,226,262,298`
+
+**Problem:**
+
+`MQTT_DEBUG=1` increases serial activity and code/logging overhead in targets that otherwise appear intended for deployment.
+
+**Suggested fix:**
+
+Remove it from production environments or create explicit debug variants. Confirm that no diagnostic output includes credentials or tokens.
+
+## Test Recommendations
+
+No WebConfig-specific automated tests were present at review time. The current
+tree has host coverage for WebConfig keys and the wired batch state machine in
+`test_webconfig_keys` and `test_webconfig_batch`; see [test/README.md](test/README.md).
+The following list is retained as the original recommendation, including
+integration and hardware scenarios not implied by those host suites:
+
+1. Save request/result correlation, including stale and concurrent batches.
+2. Partial command failures and reboot gating.
+3. Effective-value handling when fields are intentionally cleared.
+4. Secret placeholder/edit semantics.
+5. CLI parsing and backend length validation.
+6. Runtime application of Wi-Fi and cached MQTT settings.
+7. Complete custom-slot reconfiguration.
+8. NTP updates without loop-task blocking.
+9. Config and MQTT status snapshots under concurrent updates.
+10. Repeated server start/stop heap behavior and duplicate headers.
+11. Forced AP reachability from both SoftAP and STA networks.
+12. Setup AP absolute expiry with an idle associated station.
+13. Correct board identity for Tracker v1.1 and V2 targets.
+
+## Verification Already Performed
+
+The review ran the following checks successfully:
+
+- `git diff --check`
+- Extracted JavaScript with `node --check`
+- PlatformIO builds:
+  - `heltec_tracker_v1_1_repeater_observer_mqtt`
+  - `heltec_tracker_v2_repeater_observer_mqtt`
+  - `heltec_tracker_v1_1_room_server_observer_mqtt`
+  - `heltec_tracker_v2_room_server_observer_mqtt`
+
+Observed static usage:
+
+- Repeater: 76,960 bytes RAM (23.5%), approximately 47.4% flash.
+- Room server: 80,656 bytes RAM (24.6%), approximately 47.3% flash.
+
+Successful compilation does not validate the AP/STA security boundary, async teardown, concurrency, reconnection, or partial-save behavior; those require the targeted host/hardware tests above.
+
+## Suggested Implementation Order
+
+1. Fix forced-AP LAN exposure and define secure provisioning authentication.
+2. Introduce request IDs for save/result correlation.
+3. Gate reboot on aggregate success and represent partial application explicitly.
+4. Correct effective empty-value handling in the wizard.
+5. Align Wi-Fi, MQTT flags, and custom-slot runtime behavior with the UI.
+6. Remove NTP blocking and marshal config/status snapshots to their owning tasks.
+7. Fix server lifecycle/global-header accumulation.
+8. Add input-length/backend validation and polling safeguards.
+9. Fix Tracker v1.1 identity and add operator documentation.
+10. Add automated tests, then run the full hardware matrix.
@@ -129,17 +129,17 @@ hits the memory, the `sync` function can simply return 0.

 ## Reference material

-[DESIGN.md](DESIGN.md) - DESIGN.md contains a fully detailed dive into how
+[DESIGN.md](https://github.com/littlefs-project/littlefs/blob/v1.7.0/DESIGN.md) - DESIGN.md contains a fully detailed dive into how
 littlefs actually works. I would encourage you to read it since the
 solutions and tradeoffs at work here are quite interesting.

-[SPEC.md](SPEC.md) - SPEC.md contains the on-disk specification of littlefs
+[SPEC.md](https://github.com/littlefs-project/littlefs/blob/v1.7.0/SPEC.md) - SPEC.md contains the on-disk specification of littlefs
 with all the nitty-gritty details. Can be useful for developing tooling.

 ## Testing

 The littlefs comes with a test suite designed to run on a PC using the
-[emulated block device](emubd/lfs_emubd.h) found in the emubd directory.
+[emulated block device](https://github.com/littlefs-project/littlefs/blob/v1.7.0/emubd/lfs_emubd.h) found in the upstream emubd directory.
 The tests assume a Linux environment and can be started with make:

 ``` bash
@@ -157,21 +157,19 @@ Individual files contain the following tag instead of the full license text.
    SPDX-License-Identifier:    BSD-3-Clause

 This enables machine processing of license information based on the SPDX
-License Identifiers that are here available: http://spdx.org/licenses/
+License Identifiers available at https://spdx.org/licenses/

 ## Related projects

-[Mbed OS](https://github.com/ARMmbed/mbed-os/tree/master/features/filesystem/littlefs) -
-The easiest way to get started with littlefs is to jump into [Mbed](https://os.mbed.com/),
-which already has block device drivers for most forms of embedded storage. The
-littlefs is available in Mbed OS as the [LittleFileSystem](https://os.mbed.com/docs/latest/reference/littlefilesystem.html)
-class.
+[Mbed OS](https://github.com/ARMmbed/mbed-os/tree/master/storage/filesystem/littlefs) -
+The archived Mbed OS tree includes a `LittleFileSystem` wrapper and block-device
+drivers for several forms of embedded storage.

-[littlefs-fuse](https://github.com/geky/littlefs-fuse) - A [FUSE](https://github.com/libfuse/libfuse)
+[littlefs-fuse](https://github.com/littlefs-project/littlefs-fuse) - A [FUSE](https://github.com/libfuse/libfuse)
 wrapper for littlefs. The project allows you to mount littlefs directly on a
 Linux machine. Can be useful for debugging littlefs if you have an SD card
 handy.

-[littlefs-js](https://github.com/geky/littlefs-js) - A javascript wrapper for
+[littlefs-js](https://github.com/littlefs-project/littlefs-js) - A JavaScript wrapper for
 littlefs. I'm not sure why you would want this, but it is handy for demos.
 You can see it in action [here](http://littlefs.geky.net/demo.html).
@@ -1,5 +1,13 @@
 Import("env")

+# Run the size-oriented interprocedural passes during the final STM32 LTO link.
+# PlatformIO's ordinary build flags do not forward these options to this link.
+env.Append(LINKFLAGS=[
+    "-flto-partition=one",
+    "-fipa-pta",
+    "-fno-semantic-interposition",
+])
+
 # Make custom HEX from ELF
 env.AddPostAction(
    "$BUILD_DIR/${PROGNAME}.elf",
@@ -7,4 +15,4 @@ env.AddPostAction(
        "$OBJCOPY", "-O", "ihex", "-R", ".eeprom",
        '"$BUILD_DIR/${PROGNAME}.elf"', '"$BUILD_DIR/${PROGNAME}.hex"'
    ]), "Building $BUILD_DIR/${PROGNAME}.hex")
-)
+)
@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+{
+  "build": {
+    "arduino": {
+      "ldscript": "esp32s3_out.ld",
+      "partitions": "default_16MB.csv",
+      "memory_type": "qio_opi"
+    },
+    "core": "esp32",
+    "extra_flags": [
+      "-DBOARD_HAS_PSRAM",
+      "-DARDUINO_USB_CDC_ON_BOOT=1",
+      "-DARDUINO_USB_MODE=1",
+      "-DARDUINO_RUNNING_CORE=1",
+      "-DARDUINO_EVENT_RUNNING_CORE=1"
+    ],
+    "f_cpu": "240000000L",
+    "f_flash": "80000000L",
+    "flash_mode": "qio",
+    "psram_type": "opi",
+    "hwids": [["0x303A", "0x1001"]],
+    "mcu": "esp32s3",
+    "variant": "heltec_rc32"
+  },
+  "connectivity": ["wifi", "bluetooth", "lora"],
+  "debug": {
+    "default_tool": "esp-builtin",
+    "onboard_tools": ["esp-builtin"],
+    "openocd_target": "esp32s3.cfg"
+  },
+  "frameworks": ["arduino", "espidf"],
+  "name": "Heltec RC32 (16 MB FLASH, 8 MB PSRAM)",
+  "upload": {
+    "flash_size": "16MB",
+    "maximum_ram_size": 327680,
+    "maximum_size": 16777216,
+    "use_1200bps_touch": true,
+    "wait_for_upload_port": true,
+    "require_upload_port": true,
+    "speed": 921600
+  },
+  "url": "https://heltec.org/",
+  "vendor": "Heltec"
+}
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@
    "frameworks": ["arduino"],
    "name": "Heltec nrf (Adafruit BSP)",
    "upload": {
-      "maximum_ram_size": 235520,
+      "maximum_ram_size": 248832,
      "maximum_size": 815104,
      "speed": 115200,
      "protocol": "nrfutil",
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
  ],
  "name": "Heltec Mesh Solar Board",
  "upload": {
-    "maximum_ram_size": 235520,
+    "maximum_ram_size": 248832,
    "maximum_size": 815104,
    "speed": 115200,
    "protocol": "nrfutil",
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@
  ],
  "name": "Heltec T114 Board",
  "upload": {
-    "maximum_ram_size": 235520,
+    "maximum_ram_size": 248832,
    "maximum_size": 815104,
    "speed": 115200,
    "protocol": "nrfutil",
@@ -0,0 +1,61 @@
+{
+  "build": {
+    "arduino": {
+      "ldscript": "nrf52840_s140_v6.ld"
+    },
+    "core": "nRF5",
+    "cpu": "cortex-m4",
+    "extra_flags": "-DNRF52840_XXAA",
+    "f_cpu": "64000000L",
+    "hwids": [
+      ["0x239A","0x4405"],
+      ["0x239A","0x0029"],
+      ["0x239A","0x002A"],
+      ["0x239A","0x0071"]
+    ],
+    "usb_product": "HT-n5262",
+    "mcu": "nrf52840",
+    "variant": "heltec_tower_v2",
+    "bsp": {
+      "name": "adafruit"
+    },
+    "softdevice": {
+      "sd_flags": "-DS140",
+      "sd_name": "s140",
+      "sd_version": "6.1.1",
+      "sd_fwid": "0x00B6"
+    },
+    "bootloader": {
+      "settings_addr": "0xFF000"
+    }
+  },
+  "connectivity": [
+    "bluetooth"
+  ],
+  "debug": {
+    "jlink_device": "nRF52840_xxAA",
+    "svd_path": "nrf52840.svd",
+    "openocd_target": "nrf52.cfg"
+  },
+  "frameworks": [
+    "arduino"
+  ],
+  "name": "Heltec Tower V2 Board",
+  "upload": {
+    "maximum_ram_size": 235520,
+    "maximum_size": 815104,
+    "speed": 115200,
+    "protocol": "nrfutil",
+    "protocols": [
+      "jlink",
+      "nrfjprog",
+      "nrfutil",
+      "stlink"
+    ],
+    "use_1200bps_touch": true,
+    "require_upload_port": true,
+    "wait_for_upload_port": true
+  },
+  "url": "https://heltec.org/",
+  "vendor": "Heltec"
+}
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+{
+  "build": {
+    "arduino": {
+      "ldscript": "esp32s3_out.ld",
+      "partitions": "default_8MB.csv"
+      },
+    "core": "esp32",
+    "extra_flags": [
+      "-DARDUINO_USB_CDC_ON_BOOT=1",
+      "-DARDUINO_USB_MODE=0",
+      "-DARDUINO_RUNNING_CORE=1",
+      "-DARDUINO_EVENT_RUNNING_CORE=1"
+    ],
+    "f_cpu": "240000000L",
+    "f_flash": "80000000L",
+    "flash_mode": "qio",
+    "hwids": [["0x303A", "0x1001"]],
+    "mcu": "esp32s3",
+    "variant": "heltec_tracker_v2"
+  },
+  "connectivity": ["wifi", "bluetooth", "lora"],
+  "debug": {
+    "default_tool": "esp-builtin",
+    "onboard_tools": ["esp-builtin"],
+    "openocd_target": "esp32s3.cfg"
+  },
+  "frameworks": ["arduino", "espidf"],
+  "name": "Heltec Wireless Tracker v1.1",
+  "upload": {
+    "flash_size": "8MB",
+    "maximum_ram_size": 327680,
+    "maximum_size": 8388608,
+    "use_1200bps_touch": true,
+    "wait_for_upload_port": true,
+    "require_upload_port": true,
+    "speed": 921600
+  },
+  "url": "https://heltec.org/project/wireless-tracker/",
+  "vendor": "Heltec"
+}
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
    "extra_flags": [
      "-DBOARD_HAS_PSRAM",
      "-DARDUINO_USB_CDC_ON_BOOT=1",
-      "-DARDUINO_USB_MODE=0",
+      "-DARDUINO_USB_MODE=1",
      "-DARDUINO_RUNNING_CORE=1",
      "-DARDUINO_EVENT_RUNNING_CORE=1"
    ],
@@ -40,4 +40,4 @@
  },
  "url": "https://heltec.org/",
  "vendor": "heltec"
-}
+}
@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+{
+  "build": {
+    "arduino": {
+      "ldscript": "esp32s3_out.ld",
+      "partitions": "default_16MB.csv",
+      "memory_type": "qio_opi"
+    },
+    "core": "esp32",
+    "extra_flags": [
+      "-DBOARD_HAS_PSRAM",
+      "-DARDUINO_USB_CDC_ON_BOOT=1",
+      "-DARDUINO_USB_MODE=1",
+      "-DARDUINO_RUNNING_CORE=1",
+      "-DARDUINO_EVENT_RUNNING_CORE=1"
+    ],
+    "f_cpu": "240000000L",
+    "f_flash": "80000000L",
+    "flash_mode": "qio",
+    "psram_type": "opi",
+    "hwids": [["0x303A", "0x1001"]],
+    "mcu": "esp32s3",
+    "variant": "heltec_v4_r8"
+  },
+  "connectivity": ["wifi", "bluetooth", "lora"],
+  "debug": {
+    "default_tool": "esp-builtin",
+    "onboard_tools": ["esp-builtin"],
+    "openocd_target": "esp32s3.cfg"
+  },
+  "frameworks": ["arduino", "espidf"],
+  "name": "heltec_wifi_lora_32 v4 r8 (16 MB FLASH, 8 MB PSRAM)",
+  "upload": {
+    "flash_size": "16MB",
+    "maximum_ram_size": 327680,
+    "maximum_size": 16777216,
+    "use_1200bps_touch": true,
+    "wait_for_upload_port": true,
+    "require_upload_port": true,
+    "speed": 921600
+  },
+  "url": "https://heltec.org/",
+  "vendor": "heltec"
+}
@@ -60,7 +60,7 @@
    ],
    "name": "Keepteen LT1",
    "upload": {
-      "maximum_ram_size": 235520,
+      "maximum_ram_size": 248832,
      "maximum_size": 815104,
      "speed": 115200,
      "protocol": "nrfutil",
@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+{
+  "build": {
+    "arduino": {
+      "ldscript": "esp32s3_out.ld",
+      "partitions": "default_16MB.csv",
+      "memory_type": "qio_opi"
+      },
+    "core": "esp32",
+    "extra_flags": [
+      "-DBOARD_HAS_PSRAM",
+      "-DARDUINO_USB_CDC_ON_BOOT=1",
+      "-DARDUINO_USB_MODE=1",
+      "-DARDUINO_RUNNING_CORE=1",
+      "-DARDUINO_EVENT_RUNNING_CORE=1"
+    ],
+    "f_cpu": "240000000L",
+    "f_flash": "80000000L",
+    "flash_mode": "qio",
+    "psram_type": "opi",
+    "hwids": [["0x303A", "0x0002"], ["0x303A", "0x1001"]],
+    "mcu": "esp32s3",
+    "variant": "meshnology_w12"
+  },
+  "connectivity": ["wifi", "bluetooth", "lora"],
+  "debug": {
+    "default_tool": "esp-builtin",
+    "onboard_tools": ["esp-builtin"],
+    "openocd_target": "esp32s3.cfg"
+  },
+  "frameworks": ["arduino", "espidf"],
+  "name": "heltec_wifi_lora_32 v5 (16 MB FLASH, 8 MB PSRAM)",
+  "upload": {
+    "flash_size": "16MB",
+    "maximum_ram_size": 327680,
+    "maximum_size": 16777216,
+    "use_1200bps_touch": true,
+    "wait_for_upload_port": true,
+    "require_upload_port": true,
+    "speed": 921600
+  },
+  "url": "https://heltec.org/",
+  "vendor": "heltec"
+}
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@
  ],
  "name": "Meshtiny",
  "upload": {
-    "maximum_ram_size": 235520,
+    "maximum_ram_size": 248832,
    "maximum_size": 815104,
    "speed": 115200,
    "protocol": "nrfutil",
@@ -1,59 +1,59 @@
-{
-  "build": {
-    "arduino": {
-      "ldscript": "nrf52840_s140_v7.ld"
-    },
-    "core": "nRF5",
-    "cpu": "cortex-m4",
-    "extra_flags": "-DARDUINO_WIO_WM1110 -DNRF52840_XXAA",
-    "f_cpu": "64000000L",
-    "hwids": [
-      ["0x239A", "0x8029"],
-      ["0x239A", "0x0029"],
-      ["0x239A", "0x002A"],
-      ["0x239A", "0x802A"]
-    ],
-    "usb_product": "me25ls01-BOOT",
-    "mcu": "nrf52840",
-    "variant": "minewsemi_me25ls01",
-    "bsp": {
-      "name": "adafruit"
-    },
-    "softdevice": {
-      "sd_flags": "-DS140",
-      "sd_name": "s140",
-      "sd_version": "7.3.0",
-      "sd_fwid": "0x0123"
-    },
-    "bootloader": {
-      "settings_addr": "0xFF000"
-    }
-  },
-  "connectivity": ["bluetooth"],
-  "debug": {
-    "jlink_device": "nRF52840_xxAA",
-    "svd_path": "nrf52840.svd",
-    "openocd_target": "nrf52.cfg"
-  },
-  "frameworks": ["arduino"],
-  "name": "Minewsemi ME25LS01",
-  "upload": {
-    "maximum_ram_size": 235520,
-    "maximum_size": 811008,
-    "speed": 115200,
-    "protocol": "nrfutil",
-    "protocols": [
-      "jlink",
-      "nrfjprog",
-      "nrfutil",
-      "stlink",
-      "cmsis-dap",
-      "blackmagic"
-    ],
-    "use_1200bps_touch": true,
-    "require_upload_port": true,
-    "wait_for_upload_port": true
-  },
-  "url": "https://en.minewsemi.com/lora-module/lr1110-nrf52840-me25LS01",
-  "vendor": "MINEWSEMI"
-}
+{
+  "build": {
+    "arduino": {
+      "ldscript": "nrf52840_s140_v7.ld"
+    },
+    "core": "nRF5",
+    "cpu": "cortex-m4",
+    "extra_flags": "-DARDUINO_WIO_WM1110 -DNRF52840_XXAA",
+    "f_cpu": "64000000L",
+    "hwids": [
+      ["0x239A", "0x8029"],
+      ["0x239A", "0x0029"],
+      ["0x239A", "0x002A"],
+      ["0x239A", "0x802A"]
+    ],
+    "usb_product": "me25ls01-BOOT",
+    "mcu": "nrf52840",
+    "variant": "minewsemi_me25ls01",
+    "bsp": {
+      "name": "adafruit"
+    },
+    "softdevice": {
+      "sd_flags": "-DS140",
+      "sd_name": "s140",
+      "sd_version": "7.3.0",
+      "sd_fwid": "0x0123"
+    },
+    "bootloader": {
+      "settings_addr": "0xFF000"
+    }
+  },
+  "connectivity": ["bluetooth"],
+  "debug": {
+    "jlink_device": "nRF52840_xxAA",
+    "svd_path": "nrf52840.svd",
+    "openocd_target": "nrf52.cfg"
+  },
+  "frameworks": ["arduino"],
+  "name": "Minewsemi ME25LS01",
+  "upload": {
+    "maximum_ram_size": 235520,
+    "maximum_size": 811008,
+    "speed": 115200,
+    "protocol": "nrfutil",
+    "protocols": [
+      "jlink",
+      "nrfjprog",
+      "nrfutil",
+      "stlink",
+      "cmsis-dap",
+      "blackmagic"
+    ],
+    "use_1200bps_touch": true,
+    "require_upload_port": true,
+    "wait_for_upload_port": true
+  },
+  "url": "https://en.minewsemi.com/lora-module/lr1110-nrf52840-me25LS01",
+  "vendor": "MINEWSEMI"
+}
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@
    ],
    "name": "BQ nRF52840",
    "upload": {
-        "maximum_ram_size": 235520,
+        "maximum_ram_size": 248832,
        "maximum_size": 815104,
        "speed": 115200,
        "protocol": "nrfutil",
@@ -60,7 +60,7 @@
    ],
    "name": "ProMicro NRF52840",
    "upload": {
-      "maximum_ram_size": 235520,
+      "maximum_ram_size": 248832,
      "maximum_size": 815104,
      "speed": 115200,
      "protocol": "nrfutil",
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@
  ],
  "name": "WisCore RAK3401 Board",
  "upload": {
-    "maximum_ram_size": 235520,
+    "maximum_ram_size": 248832,
    "maximum_size": 815104,
    "speed": 115200,
    "protocol": "nrfutil",
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@
  ],
  "name": "WisCore RAK4631 Board",
  "upload": {
-    "maximum_ram_size": 235520,
+    "maximum_ram_size": 248832,
    "maximum_size": 815104,
    "speed": 115200,
    "protocol": "nrfutil",
@@ -0,0 +1,60 @@
+{
+  "build": {
+    "arduino": {
+      "ldscript": "nrf52840_s140_v7.ld"
+    },
+    "core": "nRF5",
+    "cpu": "cortex-m4",
+    "extra_flags": "-DARDUINO_WIO_WM1110 -DNRF52840_XXAA",
+    "f_cpu": "64000000L",
+    "hwids": [
+      ["0x239A", "0x8029"],
+      ["0x239A", "0x0029"],
+      ["0x239A", "0x002A"],
+      ["0x239A", "0x802A"],
+      ["0x2886", "0x0057"]
+    ],
+    "usb_product": "X1-BOOT",
+    "mcu": "nrf52840",
+    "variant": "Seeed_Mesh-Tracker-X1",
+    "bsp": {
+      "name": "adafruit"
+    },
+    "softdevice": {
+      "sd_flags": "-DS140",
+      "sd_name": "s140",
+      "sd_version": "7.3.0",
+      "sd_fwid": "0x0123"
+    },
+    "bootloader": {
+      "settings_addr": "0xFF000"
+    }
+  },
+  "connectivity": ["bluetooth"],
+  "debug": {
+    "jlink_device": "nRF52840_xxAA",
+    "svd_path": "nrf52840.svd",
+    "openocd_target": "nrf52.cfg"
+  },
+  "frameworks": ["arduino"],
+  "name": "Seeed SenseCAP MeshTracker X1",
+  "upload": {
+    "maximum_ram_size": 248832,
+    "maximum_size": 811008,
+    "speed": 115200,
+    "protocol": "nrfutil",
+    "protocols": [
+      "jlink",
+      "nrfjprog",
+      "nrfutil",
+      "stlink",
+      "cmsis-dap",
+      "blackmagic"
+    ],
+    "use_1200bps_touch": true,
+    "require_upload_port": true,
+    "wait_for_upload_port": true
+  },
+  "url": "https://www.seeedstudio.com/SenseCAP-MeshTracker-X1-for-Meshtastic-p-6793.html",
+  "vendor": "Seeed Studio"
+}
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@
  ],
  "name": "Seeed Wio Tracker L1",
  "upload": {
-    "maximum_ram_size": 235520,
+    "maximum_ram_size": 237568,
    "maximum_size": 811008,
    "protocol": "nrfutil",
    "speed": 115200,
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@
  ],
  "name": "Seeed Studio XIAO nRF52840",
  "upload": {
-    "maximum_ram_size": 235520,
+    "maximum_ram_size": 237568,
    "maximum_size": 811008,
    "protocol": "nrfutil",
    "speed": 115200,
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@
  ],
  "name": "Seeed Studio XIAO nRF52840",
  "upload": {
-    "maximum_ram_size": 235520,
+    "maximum_ram_size": 248832,
    "maximum_size": 811008,
    "protocol": "nrfutil",
    "speed": 115200,
@@ -57,4 +57,4 @@
  },
  "url": "https://wiki.seeedstudio.com/meshtastic_solar_node/",
  "vendor": "Seeed Studio"
-}
+}
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@
  ],
  "name": "LilyGo T-ECHO",
  "upload": {
-    "maximum_ram_size": 235520,
+    "maximum_ram_size": 248832,
    "maximum_size": 815104,
    "require_upload_port": true,
    "speed": 115200,
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
    "build": {
        "arduino": {
            "ldscript": "esp32s3_out.ld",
+            "partitions": "default_16MB.csv",
            "memory_type": "qio_opi"
        },
        "core": "esp32",
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@
  ],
  "name": "elecrow eink",
  "upload": {
-    "maximum_ram_size": 235520,
+    "maximum_ram_size": 248832,
    "maximum_size": 815104,
    "speed": 115200,
    "use_1200bps_touch": true,
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@
  ],
  "name": "elecrow nrf",
  "upload": {
-    "maximum_ram_size": 235520,
+    "maximum_ram_size": 248832,
    "maximum_size": 815104,
    "speed": 115200,
    "use_1200bps_touch": true,
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@
  ],
  "name": "elecrow solar",
  "upload": {
-    "maximum_ram_size": 235520,
+    "maximum_ram_size": 248832,
    "maximum_size": 815104,
    "speed": 115200,
    "use_1200bps_touch": true,
@@ -0,0 +1,42 @@
+{
+  "build": {
+    "arduino": {
+      "ldscript": "esp32s3_out.ld",
+      "memory_type": "qio_opi"
+    },
+    "core": "esp32",
+    "extra_flags": [
+      "-D BOARD_HAS_PSRAM",
+      "-D ARDUINO_USB_CDC_ON_BOOT=0",
+      "-D ARDUINO_USB_MODE=0",
+      "-D ARDUINO_RUNNING_CORE=1",
+      "-D ARDUINO_EVENT_RUNNING_CORE=0"
+    ],
+    "f_cpu": "240000000L",
+    "f_flash": "80000000L",
+    "flash_mode": "qio",
+    "psram_type": "qio_opi",
+    "hwids": [["0x303A", "0x1001"]],
+    "mcu": "esp32s3",
+    "variant": "ELECROW-ThinkNode-M7"
+  },
+  "connectivity": ["wifi", "bluetooth", "lora"],
+  "debug": {
+    "default_tool": "esp-builtin",
+    "onboard_tools": ["esp-builtin"],
+    "openocd_target": "esp32s3.cfg"
+  },
+  "frameworks": ["arduino", "espidf"],
+  "name": "ELECROW ThinkNode M7",
+  "upload": {
+    "flash_size": "8MB",
+    "maximum_ram_size": 524288,
+    "maximum_size": 8388608,
+    "use_1200bps_touch": true,
+    "wait_for_upload_port": true,
+    "require_upload_port": true,
+    "speed": 921600
+  },
+  "url": "https://www.elecrow.com",
+  "vendor": "ELECROW"
+}
@@ -0,0 +1,53 @@
+{
+  "build": {
+    "arduino": {
+      "ldscript": "nrf52840_s140_v6.ld"
+    },
+    "core": "nRF5",
+    "cpu": "cortex-m4",
+    "extra_flags": "-DARDUINO_NRF52840_ThinkNode_M8 -DNRF52840_XXAA",
+    "f_cpu": "64000000L",
+    "hwids": [
+      ["0x239A", "0x4405"],
+      ["0x239A", "0x0029"],
+      ["0x239A", "0x002A"]
+    ],
+    "usb_product": "elecrow_thinknode_m8",
+    "mcu": "nrf52840",
+    "variant": "ELECROW-ThinkNode-M8",
+    "variants_dir": "variants",
+    "bsp": {
+      "name": "adafruit"
+    },
+    "softdevice": {
+      "sd_flags": "-DS140",
+      "sd_name": "s140",
+      "sd_version": "6.1.1",
+      "sd_fwid": "0x00B6"
+    },
+    "bootloader": {
+      "settings_addr": "0xFF000"
+    }
+  },
+  "connectivity": ["bluetooth"],
+  "debug": {
+    "jlink_device": "nRF52840_xxAA",
+    "onboard_tools": ["jlink"],
+    "svd_path": "nrf52840.svd",
+    "openocd_target": "nrf52840-mdk-rs"
+  },
+  "frameworks": ["arduino"],
+  "name": "elecrow thinknode m8",
+  "upload": {
+    "maximum_ram_size": 248832,
+    "maximum_size": 815104,
+    "speed": 115200,
+    "protocol": "nrfutil",
+    "protocols": ["jlink", "nrfjprog", "nrfutil", "stlink"],
+    "use_1200bps_touch": true,
+    "require_upload_port": true,
+    "wait_for_upload_port": true
+  },
+  "url": "",
+  "vendor": "ELECROW"
+}
@@ -0,0 +1,57 @@
+{
+  "build": {
+    "arduino": {
+      "ldscript": "esp32s3_out.ld",
+      "memory_type": "qio_opi",
+      "partitions": "default_16MB.csv"
+    },
+    "core": "esp32",
+    "extra_flags": [
+      "-DBOARD_HAS_PSRAM",
+      "-DARDUINO_USB_CDC_ON_BOOT=0",
+      "-DARDUINO_USB_MODE=0",
+      "-DARDUINO_RUNNING_CORE=1",
+      "-DARDUINO_EVENT_RUNNING_CORE=0"
+    ],
+    "f_cpu": "240000000L",
+    "f_flash": "80000000L",
+    "flash_mode": "qio",
+    "psram_type": "qio_opi",
+    "hwids": [
+      [
+        "0x303A",
+        "0x1001"
+      ]
+    ],
+    "mcu": "esp32s3",
+    "variant": "ELECROW-ThinkNode-M9"
+  },
+  "connectivity": [
+    "wifi",
+    "bluetooth",
+    "lora"
+  ],
+  "debug": {
+    "default_tool": "esp-builtin",
+    "onboard_tools": [
+      "esp-builtin"
+    ],
+    "openocd_target": "esp32s3.cfg"
+  },
+  "frameworks": [
+    "arduino",
+    "espidf"
+  ],
+  "name": "elecrow-thinknode-m9",
+  "upload": {
+    "flash_size": "16MB",
+    "maximum_ram_size": 524288,
+    "maximum_size": 16777216,
+    "use_1200bps_touch": true,
+    "wait_for_upload_port": true,
+    "require_upload_port": true,
+    "speed": 921600
+  },
+  "url": "https://www.elecrow.com/thinknode-m1-meshtastic-lora-signal-transceiver-powered-by-nrf52840-with-154-screen-support-gps.html",
+  "vendor": "ELECROW"
+}
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@
      ["0x239A", "0x002A"],
      ["0x239A", "0x802A"]
    ],
-    "usb_product": "T1000-E-BOOT",
+    "usb_product": "MeshCore T1000-E",
    "mcu": "nrf52840",
    "variant": "Seeed_T1000-E",
    "bsp": {
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
  "frameworks": ["arduino"],
  "name": "Seeed T1000-E",
  "upload": {
-    "maximum_ram_size": 235520,
+    "maximum_ram_size": 248832,
    "maximum_size": 811008,
    "speed": 115200,
    "protocol": "nrfutil",
@@ -1,49 +1,55 @@
 #!/usr/bin/env bash
 # ./build-iotthinks.sh
-export FIRMWARE_VERSION="PowerSaving16"
+export FIRMWARE_VERSION="PowerSaving17.1"

 ############# Repeaters #############
 # Commonly-used boards
-## ESP32 - 17 boards
+## ESP32 - 19 boards
 ./build.sh build-firmware \
+Heltec_ct62_repeater \
+Heltec_E290_repeater \
 Heltec_v3_repeater \
-Heltec_WSL3_repeater \
 heltec_v4_repeater \
+heltec_v4_r8_repeater \
+heltec_tracker_v2_repeater \
+Heltec_Wireless_Paper_repeater \
+Heltec_Wireless_Tracker_repeater \
+Heltec_WSL3_repeater \
+LilyGo_T3S3_sx1262_repeater \
+LilyGo_TBeam_1W_repeater \
 Station_G2_repeater \
 T_Beam_S3_Supreme_SX1262_repeater \
 Tbeam_SX1262_repeater \
-LilyGo_T3S3_sx1262_repeater \
-Xiao_S3_WIO_repeater \
+ThinkNode_M5_Repeater \
 Xiao_C3_repeater \
 Xiao_C6_repeater_ \
-Heltec_E290_repeater \
-Heltec_Wireless_Tracker_repeater \
-LilyGo_TBeam_1W_repeater \
 Xiao_S3_repeater \
-heltec_tracker_v2_repeater \
-Heltec_Wireless_Paper_repeater \
-Heltec_ct62_repeater
+Xiao_S3_WIO_repeater

-## NRF52 - 17 boards
+## NRF52 - 22 boards
 ./build.sh build-firmware \
-RAK_4631_repeater \
-Heltec_t114_repeater \
-Xiao_nrf52_repeater \
-Heltec_mesh_solar_repeater \
-ProMicro_repeater \
-SenseCap_Solar_repeater \
-t1000e_repeater \
-LilyGo_T-Echo_repeater \
-WioTrackerL1_repeater \
-RAK_3401_repeater \
-RAK_WisMesh_Tag_repeater \
 GAT562_30S_Mesh_Kit_repeater \
 GAT562_Mesh_Tracker_Pro_repeater \
+Heltec_mesh_solar_repeater \
+Heltec_t096_repeater \
+Heltec_t114_repeater \
+Heltec_t1_repeater \
 ikoka_nano_nrf_22dbm_repeater \
 ikoka_nano_nrf_30dbm_repeater \
 ikoka_nano_nrf_33dbm_repeater \
+LilyGo_T-Echo_Card_repeater \
+LilyGo_T-Echo_repeater \
+ProMicro_repeater \
+RAK_3401_repeater \
+RAK_4631_repeater \
+RAK_WisMesh_Tag_repeater \
+SenseCap_Solar_repeater \
+t1000e_repeater \
 ThinkNode_M1_repeater \
-Heltec_t096_repeater
+ThinkNode_M3_repeater \
+ThinkNode_M6_repeater \
+WioTrackerL1_repeater \
+Xiao_nrf52_repeater

 ## ESP32, SX1276 - 3 boards
 ./build.sh build-firmware \
@@ -52,85 +58,118 @@ LilyGo_TLora_V2_1_1_6_repeater \
 Tbeam_SX1276_repeater

 ############# Room Server #############
-# ESP32 - 7 boards
+# ESP32 - 8 boards
 ./build.sh build-firmware \
 Heltec_v3_room_server \
 heltec_v4_room_server \
-LilyGo_TBeam_1W_room_server \
-Heltec_WSL3_room_server \
-Xiao_S3_room_server \
+heltec_v4_r8_room_server \
 heltec_tracker_v2_room_server \
-Heltec_Wireless_Paper_room_server
+Heltec_Wireless_Paper_room_server \
+Heltec_WSL3_room_server \
+LilyGo_TBeam_1W_room_server \
+Xiao_S3_room_server

-# NRF52 - 6 boards
+# NRF52 - 7 boards
 ./build.sh build-firmware \
-RAK_4631_room_server \
+Heltec_t096_room_server \
 Heltec_t114_room_server \
-Xiao_nrf52_room_server \
+RAK_3401_room_server \
+RAK_4631_room_server \
 t1000e_room_server \
 WioTrackerL1_room_server \
-RAK_3401_room_server \
-Heltec_t096_room_server
+Xiao_nrf52_room_server

 ############# Companions BLE #############
-# NRF52 - 12 boards
+# NRF52 - 17 boards
 ./build.sh build-firmware \
-RAK_4631_companion_radio_ble \
+Heltec_t096_companion_radio_ble_femon \
+Heltec_t096_companion_radio_ble_femoff \
+Heltec_t1_companion_radio_ble \
 Heltec_t114_companion_radio_ble \
-Xiao_nrf52_companion_radio_ble \
-t1000e_companion_radio_ble \
+LilyGo_T-Echo_Card_companion_radio_ble \
 LilyGo_T-Echo_companion_radio_ble \
-WioTrackerL1_companion_radio_ble \
+ProMicro_companion_radio_ble \
 RAK_3401_companion_radio_ble \
+RAK_4631_companion_radio_ble \
 RAK_WisMesh_Tag_companion_radio_ble \
 SenseCap_Solar_companion_radio_ble \
+t1000e_companion_radio_ble \
 ThinkNode_M1_companion_radio_ble \
-Heltec_t096_companion_radio_ble \
-Heltec_t096_companion_radio_ble_femoff
+ThinkNode_M3_companion_radio_ble \
+ThinkNode_M6_companion_radio_ble \
+WioTrackerL1_companion_radio_ble \
+Xiao_nrf52_companion_radio_ble

 ############# Companions BLE PS #############
-# ESP32 - 18 boards
+# ESP32 - 23 builds
 ./build.sh build-firmware \
-Heltec_v3_companion_radio_ble_ps \
-heltec_v4_companion_radio_ble_ps \
-heltec_v4_3_companion_radio_ble_ps_femoff \
-Xiao_C3_companion_radio_ble_ps \
-Xiao_S3_companion_radio_ble_ps \
-Xiao_S3_WIO_companion_radio_ble_ps \
-Heltec_v2_companion_radio_ble_ps \
-LilyGo_TBeam_1W_companion_radio_ble_ps \
-Heltec_WSL3_companion_radio_ble_ps \
-Heltec_Wireless_Tracker_companion_radio_ble_ps \
-heltec_tracker_v2_companion_radio_ble_ps \
-Heltec_Wireless_Paper_companion_radio_ble_ps \
-LilyGo_TLora_V2_1_1_6_companion_radio_ble_ps \
 Heltec_ct62_companion_radio_ble_ps \
+heltec_tracker_v2_companion_radio_ble_femon \
+heltec_tracker_v2_companion_radio_ble_femoff \
+Heltec_v2_companion_radio_ble_ps \
+Heltec_v3_companion_radio_ble_ps \
+heltec_v4_3_companion_radio_ble_ps_femoff \
+heltec_v4_companion_radio_ble_ps_femon \
+heltec_v4_expansionkit_tft_companion_radio_ble_ps \
+heltec_v4_3_expansionkit_tft_companion_radio_ble_femoff \
+heltec_v4_r8_companion_radio_ble_ps \
+Heltec_Wireless_Paper_companion_radio_ble_ps \
+Heltec_Wireless_Tracker_companion_radio_ble_ps \
+Heltec_WSL3_companion_radio_ble_ps \
+LilyGo_T3S3_sx1262_companion_radio_ble_ps \
+LilyGo_TBeam_1W_companion_radio_ble_ps \
+LilyGo_TLora_V2_1_1_6_companion_radio_ble_ps \
 T_Beam_S3_Supreme_SX1262_companion_radio_ble_ps \
 Tbeam_SX1262_companion_radio_ble_ps \
-heltec_v4_expansionkit_tft_companion_radio_ble_ps \
-LilyGo_T3S3_sx1262_companion_radio_ble_ps
-
-# Not working
-# Tbeam_SX1276_companion_radio_ble_ps
+Tbeam_SX1276_companion_radio_ble_ps \
+ThinkNode_M5_companion_radio_ble_ps \
+Xiao_C3_companion_radio_ble_ps \
+Xiao_S3_companion_radio_ble_ps \
+Xiao_S3_WIO_companion_radio_ble_ps

 ############# Companions USB #############
+# ESP32 and NRF52 - 5 builds
 ./build.sh build-firmware \
-Heltec_t096_companion_radio_usb
+Heltec_t096_companion_radio_usb_femon \
+Heltec_t096_companion_radio_usb_femoff \
+heltec_v4_companion_radio_usb \
+heltec_v4_companion_radio_usb_ps_femoff \
+heltec_v4_companion_radio_usb_ps_femon

 ############# Sample builds #############
-# 14 boards
+# 27 boards
 ./build.sh build-firmware \
-Heltec_v3_repeater \
-heltec_v4_repeater \
-Xiao_C3_repeater \
-Xiao_C6_repeater_ \
-RAK_4631_repeater \
+Heltec_t096_companion_radio_ble_femon \
+Heltec_t096_companion_radio_ble_femoff \
+Heltec_t096_companion_radio_usb_femon \
+Heltec_t096_companion_radio_usb_femoff \
 Heltec_t096_repeater \
+Heltec_t114_companion_radio_ble \
+Heltec_t114_repeater \
 Heltec_v3_companion_radio_ble_ps \
-heltec_v4_companion_radio_ble_ps \
+Heltec_v3_repeater \
 heltec_v4_3_companion_radio_ble_ps_femoff \
-Xiao_C3_companion_radio_ble_ps \
-Xiao_C6_companion_radio_ble_ \
+heltec_v4_companion_radio_ble_ps_femon \
+heltec_v4_repeater \
+heltec_v4_r8_companion_radio_ble_ps \
+RAK_3401_companion_radio_ble \
+RAK_3401_repeater \
 RAK_4631_companion_radio_ble \
-Heltec_t096_companion_radio_ble \
-Heltec_t096_companion_radio_ble_femoff
+RAK_4631_repeater \
+SenseCap_Solar_companion_radio_ble \
+SenseCap_Solar_repeater \
+WioTrackerL1_companion_radio_ble \
+WioTrackerL1_repeater \
+Xiao_C3_companion_radio_ble_ps \
+Xiao_C3_repeater \
+Xiao_C6_companion_radio_ble_ \
+Xiao_C6_repeater_ \
+Xiao_nrf52_companion_radio_ble \
+Xiao_nrf52_repeater
+
+# Heltec v4 USB power-saving variants
+./build.sh build-firmware \
+heltec_v4_companion_radio_ble_ps_femon \
+heltec_v4_companion_radio_usb \
+heltec_v4_companion_radio_usb_ps_femoff \
+heltec_v4_companion_radio_usb_ps_femon
@@ -1,11 +1,12 @@
-{ pkgs ? import <nixpkgs> {} }:
-let
+{pkgs ? import <nixpkgs> {}}: let
 in
  pkgs.mkShell {
    buildInputs = [
      pkgs.platformio
      pkgs.python3
+      pkgs.gcc
+      pkgs.gtest
      # optional: needed as a programmer i.e. for esp32
      pkgs.avrdude
    ];
-}
+  }
@@ -0,0 +1,18 @@
+{
+  "version": 1,
+  "author": "MeshCore",
+  "editor": "wokwi",
+  "parts": [
+    { "type": "board-esp32-s3-devkitc-1", "id": "esp", "top": 0, "left": 0, "attrs": {} },
+    { "type": "board-ssd1306", "id": "oled", "top": -110, "left": 90,
+      "attrs": { "i2cAddress": "0x3c" } }
+  ],
+  "connections": [
+    [ "esp:3V3", "oled:VCC", "red", [] ],
+    [ "esp:GND.1", "oled:GND", "black", [] ],
+    [ "esp:17", "oled:SDA", "green", [] ],
+    [ "esp:18", "oled:SCL", "yellow", [] ],
+    [ "esp:TX", "$serialMonitor:RX", "", [] ],
+    [ "esp:RX", "$serialMonitor:TX", "", [] ]
+  ]
+}
@@ -0,0 +1,474 @@
+# WiFi and MQTT by Firmware Type
+
+MeshCore itself does not require WiFi or the internet. LoRa packet exchange,
+repeating, room servers, companions, and sensors can all operate without either.
+WiFi is added by particular ESP32 firmware targets for one or more of these
+purposes:
+
+- a TCP connection between a WiFi companion and a phone or computer;
+- the WebConfig browser interface;
+- MQTT uplinking from the radio to internet or LAN brokers;
+- WiFi-assisted OTA services on builds that include them;
+- ESP-NOW bridging, which uses the ESP32's 2.4 GHz radio but is not a connection
+  to a WiFi access point.
+
+The firmware role and the build profile are separate choices. For example, a
+logging repeater is not an MQTT observer, and a WiFi companion does not publish
+to MQTT unless its target name also contains `mqtt`.
+
+## Quick reference
+
+| Firmware target or role | Infrastructure WiFi | MQTT | What WiFi does |
+|---|---:|---:|---|
+| `*_repeater` | Build-dependent on ESP32 | No | FULL builds provide WebConfig, browser OTA, and the TCP 5001 LoRa-OTA seeder while WiFi is active |
+| `*_repeater_observer_mqtt` | Yes | Yes | Uplinks heard and selected transmitted LoRa packets; repeating remains enabled by default |
+| `*_room_server` | Build-dependent on ESP32 | No | FULL builds provide WebConfig, browser OTA, and the TCP 5001 LoRa-OTA seeder while WiFi is active |
+| `*_room_server_observer_mqtt` | Yes | Yes | Runs the room server and uplinks radio traffic |
+| `*_companion_radio_wifi` | Yes | No | Exposes the MeshCore companion protocol on TCP port 5000 |
+| `*_companion_radio_wifi_mqtt` | Yes | Yes | Runs both the TCP companion interface and the MQTT uplink |
+| USB, BLE, or serial companion | No | No | Uses the transport named by the target instead |
+| `*_repeater_bridge_espnow` | Build-dependent on ESP32 | No | Uses ESP-NOW for its bridge; a FULL build also exposes the TCP 5001 LoRa-OTA seeder whenever WiFi is usable |
+| RS232 bridge | No | No | Bridges through a serial interface |
+| Ethernet repeater/room server | No WiFi | No | Uses wired Ethernet for its role-specific network interface |
+| `*_sensor` | Build-dependent on ESP32 | No | A FULL ESP32 sensor can expose the TCP 5001 LoRa-OTA seeder through its browser-OTA setup AP |
+| Terminal-chat or KISS modem | No in current targets | No | Uses LoRa and its role-specific local interface |
+| `*_lora_ota_no_external_sensors` | On demand on ESP32 | No | Lean LoRa-OTA repeater image; ESP32 builds retain the compact `start ota` browser uploader |
+
+Direct on-device WiFi and MQTT are currently ESP32 features. nRF52, STM32, and
+the currently enabled RP2040 targets do not run this MQTT bridge. An nRF52
+connected to a Raspberry Pi can still be logged or uplinked by software on the
+Pi, but that is a separate host-side bridge rather than MQTT running in the
+radio firmware.
+
+## How the MQTT bridge works
+
+The MQTT bridge is an outbound observer. It does not subscribe to MQTT topics
+and does not inject broker messages into LoRa.
+
+For a received packet, the flow is:
+
+```text
+LoRa radio -> successful packet parse -> MQTT capture queue -> broker slots
+                                  \----> normal MeshCore filtering/handling
+```
+
+Packets transmitted by the node can also be queued according to `mqtt.tx`.
+Receive capture happens before the packet is passed to the normal MeshCore
+flood filters and forwarding decision. A packet may therefore be observed on
+MQTT even when a later scope, path, region, duplicate, or repeat rule prevents
+the node from forwarding it over LoRa.
+
+MQTT publication and LoRa repetition are separate:
+
+- `set repeat on|off` controls whether an observer repeats eligible LoRa
+  packets;
+- `set bridge.enabled on|off` starts or stops the MQTT bridge;
+- `set mqtt.rx on|off` controls uplinking of received packets;
+- `set mqtt.tx off|advert|on` controls uplinking of transmitted packets.
+
+Fresh MQTT observer settings are:
+
+- bridge and repeating enabled;
+- received packet uplinking enabled;
+- transmitted packet uplinking set to `advert`, meaning only the node's own
+  adverts are included;
+- packet and status publishing enabled;
+- raw publishing disabled;
+- slot 1 set to `analyzer-us`;
+- slot 2 set to `analyzer-eu`;
+- slots 3 through 6 disabled;
+- WiFi modem power saving set to `min` in the Cascade profile and `none` in
+  target-default builds;
+- WiFi SSID and IATA code empty.
+
+Up to six broker configurations can be saved. The number that can be active at
+once depends on the target and available memory. A non-PSRAM ESP32 should
+normally use no more than two TLS/WSS brokers; some classic ESP32 targets are
+reliable with only one. Excess configured slots remain saved but show as
+inactive in `get mqtt.status`.
+
+The bridge has a bounded packet queue for broker or WiFi outages and reconnects
+automatically. A non-PSRAM build holds 6 packets and a PSRAM build holds 50.
+When the queue is full, the oldest item is replaced; after five minutes with no
+broker connected, stale queued packets are flushed. MQTT packet delivery is
+best effort rather than durable storage. Each enabled slot publishes
+independently, so one failed broker does not intentionally stop the other
+slots.
+
+See [MQTT_IMPLEMENTATION.md](https://github.com/mikecarper/MeshCore/blob/keymindCascade/MQTT_IMPLEMENTATION.md) for the complete preset
+list, custom broker configuration, topic formats, authentication, diagnostics,
+and memory limits.
+
+## MQTT observer setup
+
+Most full-size ESP32 MQTT observer builds have the shared WebConfig portal. On a
+fresh device with no saved SSID:
+
+1. Join the open `MeshCore-Setup-XXXX` access point.
+2. If the captive page does not open, browse to `http://192.168.4.1/`.
+3. Enter WiFi, radio, identity, and MQTT settings.
+4. Select **Save & Reboot**.
+5. After reboot, check `get wifi.status` and `get mqtt.status`.
+
+The setup AP is unauthenticated unless the firmware was built with
+`WEBCONFIG_AP_PASSWORD`. It uses plain HTTP, so provision it in a trusted
+location. When WebConfig is running on the normal LAN, repeater and room-server
+builds require the node's admin password.
+
+The equivalent MQTT observer CLI setup is:
+
+```text
+set wifi.ssid Your WiFi Name
+set wifi.pwd Your WiFi Password
+set mqtt.iata SEA
+set name MyObserver
+reboot
+```
+
+The SSID and password values are the rest of the command line. Spaces are
+allowed and quotes must not be added. SSIDs may contain at most 31 characters
+and passwords at most 63. Leave the password value empty for an open network.
+
+Useful checks are:
+
+```text
+get wifi.ssid
+get wifi.status
+get wifi.powersave
+get wifi.cli
+get bridge.enabled
+get mqtt.rx
+get mqtt.tx
+get mqtt.status
+get mqtt1.diag
+get mqtt2.diag
+```
+
+To change a configured observer through WebConfig without leaving the portal
+enabled after every reboot:
+
+```text
+start webconfig
+```
+
+This uses the LAN when WiFi is connected. To force the setup AP, the MQTT bridge
+must release WiFi first:
+
+```text
+set bridge.enabled off
+start webconfig ap
+```
+
+After provisioning, use **Save & Reboot**, or stop the temporary portal and
+restart the bridge:
+
+```text
+stop webconfig
+set bridge.enabled on
+```
+
+Current MQTT observer artifacts use the expanded FULL partition profile so
+WebConfig and the complete role CLI are retained. Install the matching merged
+image over USB once when moving a device from the legacy partition layout.
+
+## WiFi companion setup
+
+A `*_companion_radio_wifi` build replaces the BLE or USB companion link with
+the MeshCore companion protocol over TCP port 5000. The phone or computer must
+be able to reach the device on the same LAN.
+
+An ESP32 `*_companion_radio_full` target keeps all three Companion links at
+once: USB, BLE, and TCP port 5000. It also provides a source-only LoRa mOTA
+service on ports 5001 and 5002. See the
+[full Companion guide](./companion_radio_full.md) for its build, terminal mode,
+and complete update-source workflow.
+
+The LilyGo T-Beam 1W Full Companion maps one press of the physical `BOOT` button
+(GPIO0) to a persistent WiFi on/off toggle. Turning WiFi off closes WebConfig,
+Companion TCP, mOTA, and MQTT network services while USB, BLE, the display, GPS,
+and LoRa remain available. Another BOOT press turns WiFi back on even after
+reboot. WiFi/WebConfig starts first; BLE starts two seconds later so the ESP32-S3
+can reserve the setup server's internal heap before both radios run together.
+
+The companion loads runtime credentials saved in NVS. A non-placeholder
+compile-time `WIFI_SSID`/`WIFI_PWD` can be used as a first-boot fallback, but
+saved credentials take priority. With no credentials, its WebConfig portal
+starts in setup-AP mode. With credentials, the WebUI is enabled by default on
+the station IP.
+
+If the configured network remains unavailable for two minutes, the companion
+opens its setup AP so the credentials can be repaired. It continues retrying
+the saved network. WiFi modem sleep has its own persisted `wifi.powersave`
+setting and is independent of the Companion device `powersaving` setting. The
+WiFi card in Companion WebConfig exposes `none`, `min`, and `max`. Fresh
+Cascade-profile builds select `min`; target-default builds select `none`.
+A saved setting takes precedence after an upgrade.
+
+WiFi-only Companions can use all three modes. A Full Companion also runs BLE,
+so ESP32 WiFi/Bluetooth coexistence requires at least minimum modem sleep. It
+reports `min` when an old or target-default `none` value is found and rejects a
+new `none` selection while Bluetooth is compiled in. Device power saving can
+therefore be turned on or off without changing the selected WiFi modem policy.
+
+WiFi companions do not have the repeater/room-server admin CLI password model,
+so their LAN WebConfig page is intentionally unauthenticated. Use them only on
+a trusted LAN.
+
+The WebConfig **Advanced** card exposes device power saving on WiFi Companion,
+repeater, and room-server builds. It also exposes RX power saving on radio chips
+that support receive duty cycling. RXPS can select continuous receive, levels
+1-10, automatic or explicit 16/32-symbol preambles, or manual receive/sleep
+windows. The WebConfig **WiFi** card exposes WiFi modem power saving. All three
+settings are persisted across reboots.
+
+The three settings are independent. A WiFi Companion keeps its transports
+available while device power saving reduces CPU and GPS idle power. An
+infrastructure node can sleep when device power saving is enabled, so its WiFi
+services may be temporarily unavailable. RXPS only duty-cycles the LoRa
+receiver. Fresh Cascade-profile builds default to device power saving on,
+RXPS on at level 8 with a 16-symbol preamble, and WiFi modem power saving at
+`min` on every build that includes ESP32 WiFi.
+
+When `ENABLE_OTA` is included, a WiFi companion also listens on:
+
+- TCP 5001 for the OTA folder seeder used by `motatool serve --tcp`;
+- TCP 5002 for the OTA text console.
+
+These ports do not replace the companion protocol on TCP 5000.
+On a `companion_radio_full` build, port 5002 additionally accepts bounded
+`tempradio`, `normalradio`, and `get/set wifi.powersave` commands, while LoRa
+staging and installation on the Companion itself are disabled.
+
+FULL ESP32 builds share the port 5001 folder seeder. It starts whenever that
+role has a usable WiFi station or setup access point and stops when WiFi stops.
+For example, a FULL repeater can run `start webconfig` to join its saved
+network, then accept:
+
+```bash
+motatool serve --dir ./motas --tcp <repeater-ip>:5001 -v
+```
+
+The TCP connection supplies `.mota` files for the node to advertise and relay
+over LoRa; it is not a raw `.bin` uploader. `start ota` continues to provide the
+direct browser uploader on HTTP port 80. A FULL role without WebConfig but with
+browser OTA support can use the `MeshCore-OTA` access point raised by
+`start ota`; its seeder address is `192.168.4.1:5001`.
+
+Only one external folder link can be active. A TCP client is rejected while
+`ota folder on` is using USB serial, and disconnecting `motatool` automatically
+removes the TCP folder. Port 5001 has no login layer, so expose it only on a
+trusted LAN or temporary setup network. Firmware target and hash checks still
+apply at the receiving node, along with its configured signature/trust policy.
+
+When the shared seeder is running, `get wifi.status` appends its live state:
+
+```text
+OTA TCP 5001: listening
+OTA TCP 5001: client connected
+```
+
+The first state means WiFi is usable and the node is waiting for
+`motatool serve --tcp`. The second means a `motatool` folder is currently
+attached and available for LoRa OTA service.
+
+## WiFi companion with MQTT
+
+A `*_companion_radio_wifi_mqtt` build combines both systems:
+
+- the companion protocol remains available to the phone/computer on TCP 5000;
+- the same WiFi station connection is shared with the MQTT bridge;
+- received and selected transmitted LoRa packets can be published to the
+  configured MQTT slots.
+
+The companion owns WiFi connection and recovery in this build. The MQTT bridge
+waits for that connection rather than creating a second one. Stopping MQTT does
+not disable the TCP companion service.
+
+The same WebConfig page contains the MQTT settings. MQTT companions have no
+text admin CLI, so browser configuration is the normal setup method.
+
+## WebConfig without MQTT
+
+Full-size ESP32 repeater and room-server builds can include WebConfig even when
+MQTT is absent. The portal then shows node, radio, and WiFi-related controls but
+removes the MQTT wizard step and MQTT tab.
+
+In this case WebConfig owns WiFi only while it is needed. Stopping the portal
+disconnects WiFi and turns the WiFi radio off. There is no persistent MQTT
+connection keeping WiFi active.
+
+FULL MQTT and FULL logging repeater/room-server builds both provide these CLI
+controls and status checks. FULL MQTT includes the MQTT bridge; FULL logging
+does not:
+
+```text
+get wifi.ssid
+get wifi.status
+get wifi.powersave
+get wifi.cli
+get webui
+set wifi.ssid SlowFi
+set wifi.pwd your-password
+set wifi.powersave none
+set wifi.cli on
+```
+
+`get wifi.status` distinguishes an unconfigured node, an inactive WiFi radio, a
+station connection attempt, the setup AP, a connection failure, and a working
+LAN connection. For a LAN connection it reports the SSID, IP address, and RSSI.
+If the shared OTA seeder is active, the same reply also reports whether TCP
+port 5001 is listening or has a `motatool` client attached.
+`get wifi.powersave` reports the saved standalone WebConfig setting as `none`,
+`min`, or `max`.
+An inactive status is normal when `webui` is off: run `start webconfig` to
+connect temporarily. Standalone credentials can be changed through WebConfig
+or with the listed CLI commands. Changing the SSID or password stops an active
+WebConfig session; start it again to connect with the new values. Use
+`set wifi.pwd` with no value for an open network. The password is write-only
+and is never returned by `get`.
+
+`get webui` starts with the saved boot setting, then reports the current
+session. For example, `> off, http://192.168.1.130/` means automatic WebConfig
+startup is saved as off, but a temporary session started by `start webconfig`
+is currently active at that URL.
+
+### WebConfig CLI terminal
+
+The terminal defaults to on. Enable or disable it from an existing admin CLI:
+
+```text
+set wifi.cli on
+set wifi.cli off
+get wifi.cli
+```
+
+The saved `on` setting becomes active only when the WiFi station client is
+connected and WebConfig is running in LAN mode. It is never exposed on the open
+setup access point. When active, the WebConfig page has a **CLI** tab for sending
+commands directly to the repeater or room server. It uses the local
+administrator command parser and displays one reply at a time. The terminal is
+protected by the WebConfig admin login and uses remote-administrator
+permissions, so commands explicitly restricted to a physical serial connection
+remain unavailable.
+
+Use **Single command** for the normal prompt, or select **Command block** to
+paste up to 100 commands with one command per line. Blank lines are ignored.
+The browser validates all lines first, then sends one command at a time and
+waits for its reply before sending the next. The block queue is kept in the
+browser only, so closing the page or losing its WiFi connection stops the
+commands that have not yet been sent. Ctrl+Enter or Command+Enter starts a
+block.
+
+The up/down arrow keys recall commands entered during the current browser
+session in single-command mode. Commands available in the terminal still
+depend on the firmware role and build profile. Commands such as
+`stop webconfig`, `set wifi.cli off`, WiFi credential changes, and reboot
+operations stop the remaining block and can disconnect the page before it
+receives their final reply.
+
+## Build profiles
+
+`build.sh` produces several profiles. A profile changes the features compiled
+into a selected target; it does not change that target into another firmware
+role.
+
+| Build profile | WiFi/MQTT behavior |
+|---|---|
+| Standard | Uses the selected target's role. Ordinary legacy-slot ESP32 repeater/room-server artifacts omit WebConfig when needed to fit. ESP32 MQTT observer and ESP-NOW bridge targets are automatically promoted to FULL; WiFi-companion targets keep their companion partition profile. |
+| Logging | Enables USB/debug packet logging and disables the MQTT bridge. `get/set usb.logging` can silence or restore the live output until reboot. Logging output is not an MQTT uplink. |
+| MQTT | Builds explicit MQTT observer or WiFi-companion-MQTT targets with USB packet logging off. Non-companion ESP32 MQTT observers always use FULL expanded partitions. |
+| FULL ESP32 | Uses the board's MQTT target with logging off, expanded dual-OTA partitions, up to 254 neighbors, LoRa OTA, and full-size ESP32 features such as WebConfig where supported. Classic T-Beam MQTT observers retain their 50-entry table because their persistent discovery state exhausts internal DRAM at 254. |
+| FULL ESP32 logging | Uses the board's non-MQTT target with debug and packet logging enabled, session-only `get/set usb.logging` control, expanded dual-OTA partitions, up to 254 neighbors, and LoRa OTA. |
+| LoRa-OTA no-external-sensors | A lean repeater image with no MQTT; ESP32 builds retain the compact on-demand browser WiFi uploader and 254 neighbors. |
+
+All repeater profiles use the full 254-entry neighbor table, including standard,
+logging, bridge, and LoRa-OTA builds on every supported platform. The classic
+T-Beam SX1262 and SX1276 MQTT observer repeaters retain 50 entries because their
+persistent MQTT discovery state leaves insufficient internal-DRAM margin at 254.
+
+The interactive Option 1 **FULL everything** choice selects the FULL logging
+profile: logging is enabled and MQTT is disabled. The standalone FULL ESP32
+profile and Profile 3 of the four-profile matrix use the matching MQTT target
+instead. Both FULL profiles include LoRa OTA, WebConfig where supported, up to
+254 neighbors, and expanded dual-OTA partitions. Target-specific internal-DRAM
+limits still apply.
+
+FULL images change the ESP32 partition layout. Flash the matching
+`*-merged.bin` once when installing that layout. A partition-layout change can
+invalidate NVS, including saved WiFi, MQTT, name, and admin settings. Later
+updates using the same layout normally preserve them.
+
+## WiFi power behavior
+
+MQTT observers and FULL standalone ESP32 repeater/room-server builds support:
+
+```text
+set wifi.powersave none
+set wifi.powersave min
+set wifi.powersave max
+```
+
+Fresh Cascade-profile builds default to `min`; target-default builds use
+`none`, which gives the most predictable MQTT and radio performance at the
+highest power use. `min` and `max` reduce power but may add latency or reduce
+reliability on busy nodes. A saved operator setting takes precedence on an
+upgrade. ESP32 WiFi Companions expose the same values in their WebConfig WiFi
+card. Full Companion also accepts the text commands from its USB terminal and
+TCP port 5002. The normal binary Companion protocol can read or write the
+setting over USB, BLE, or TCP port 5000 without entering terminal mode. Full
+Companion rejects `none` because its simultaneous BLE transport requires WiFi
+modem sleep.
+
+MQTT observer targets normally limit ESP32 WiFi transmit power to 11 dBm unless
+the board configuration overrides `MQTT_WIFI_TX_POWER`. This setting affects
+WiFi only, not LoRa transmit power.
+
+## Recognizing the wrong firmware
+
+`get wifi.status`, `get wifi.ssid`, `get wifi.powersave`, and `get wifi.cli`
+are available on MQTT observers and on FULL non-MQTT repeater/room-server
+builds with WebConfig. ESP32 WiFi Companions expose `wifi.powersave` through
+their role-specific interfaces described above; they do not expose the full
+infrastructure WiFi CLI family.
+MQTT commands such as `get mqtt.status` and `set mqtt1.preset ...` still require
+an MQTT observer target. Unknown settings return `Error: unknown setting:
+<name>`. Older firmware that used the discontinued compact CLI can instead
+report `Unsupported in this firmware` when a command was cut for space.
+
+Check the complete firmware filename and role. In particular:
+
+- `logging` does not mean MQTT;
+- `ota` does not mean MQTT;
+- `companion_radio_wifi` does not mean MQTT;
+- the filename must contain `observer_mqtt` or `wifi_mqtt` for the corresponding
+  on-device MQTT feature.
+
+Rolling firmware back does not restore settings erased by a full flash or a
+partition-table change. If the correct MQTT target still has no configuration,
+provision WiFi and MQTT again.
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+For an MQTT observer:
+
+```text
+get wifi.status
+get bridge.enabled
+get mqtt.status
+get mqtt1.diag
+get mqtt2.diag
+```
+
+Common causes are:
+
+- no saved SSID or a changed password;
+- blank/invalid IATA for a preset that requires it;
+- the bridge disabled;
+- all MQTT slots disabled;
+- too many TLS/WSS slots for the available internal memory;
+- WiFi power saving being too aggressive;
+- the wrong firmware role or an older compact-CLI build without WebConfig.
+
+For a WiFi companion, find its station IP in the router, connect the client to
+TCP port 5000, and use the setup AP if it cannot join the saved network. MQTT
+diagnostics apply only to a `wifi_mqtt` companion target.
@@ -0,0 +1,939 @@
+(function (global) {
+  "use strict";
+
+  const TYPE_TEMPERATURE = 0x11;
+  const TYPE_VOLTAGE = 0x12;
+  const TYPE_GPS = 0x13;
+  const BINARY_TEMPERATURE_MAGIC = "TTB1";
+  const BINARY_VOLTAGE_MAGIC = "TVB1";
+  const BINARY_HEADER_SIZE = 19;
+  const BINARY_MAX_SAMPLES = 165;
+  const PAYLOAD_TYPE_RAW_CUSTOM = 0x0f;
+  const METERS_PER_DEGREE = 111320;
+  const DEGREES_TO_RADIANS = Math.PI / 180;
+
+  const EXAMPLES = Object.freeze({
+    packetTemperature: Object.freeze({
+      label: "Analyzer temperature packet",
+      command: "send telemetry.tx now",
+      reply: "3E00545442311122334455667788800092651E0008000102354A4E5082",
+    }),
+    packetVoltage: Object.freeze({
+      label: "Analyzer voltage packet",
+      command: "send telemetry.tx now",
+      reply: "3E00545642311122334455667788800092651E000800010264C8FEFFDC",
+    }),
+    temperature: Object.freeze({
+      label: "Temperature example",
+      command: "get telemetry.temp",
+      reply:
+        "> EUDUcWoeMAVZVVVVUVVVVVXVVQACTJlSwEyZMmTJkuXKkyZEeNFARIcOFChQoUOHDiRY0aPI/ypUuXMmTA==",
+    }),
+    voltage: Object.freeze({
+      label: "Voltage example",
+      command: "get telemetry.volt",
+      reply:
+        "> EkDUcWoeMAAB5+bl5eTj4uLh4ODf3t7d3Nvb2tnZ2NfX1tXU1NPS0tHQ0M/Ozc3My8vKycnI/w==",
+    }),
+    gps: Object.freeze({
+      label: "GPS example",
+      command: "get telemetry.gps",
+      reply:
+        "> EwB9cmoeGIChAxwAR0i3AgAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAKAAAAAAIAAAAD/9ABAAX/+AAgAYAAAB//wAD/+gAAAA/+wAP/8ABwAEAEABgAAAA//gAX/7AAv/3/8AAf/oAF//QAYACAAgAc=",
+    }),
+  });
+
+  class TelemetryDecodeError extends Error {
+    constructor(message) {
+      super(message);
+      this.name = "TelemetryDecodeError";
+    }
+  }
+
+  function extractBase64(input) {
+    if (typeof input !== "string" || input.trim() === "") {
+      throw new TelemetryDecodeError("Paste a telemetry reply or Base64 payload first.");
+    }
+
+    let text = input.trim();
+    if (text.length > 4096) {
+      throw new TelemetryDecodeError("The pasted value is too large to be a telemetry page.");
+    }
+
+    const replyLine = text
+      .split(/\r?\n/)
+      .map((line) => line.trim())
+      .find((line) => /^>\s*[A-Za-z0-9+/]+={0,2}$/.test(line));
+
+    if (replyLine) {
+      text = replyLine.replace(/^>\s*/, "");
+    } else {
+      text = text
+        .replace(/^```(?:text)?\s*/i, "")
+        .replace(/```\s*$/, "")
+        .trim()
+        .replace(/^>\s*/, "")
+        .replace(/\s+/g, "");
+    }
+
+    if (text === "") {
+      throw new TelemetryDecodeError("The telemetry reply does not contain Base64 data.");
+    }
+    if (text.length % 4 !== 0) {
+      throw new TelemetryDecodeError("Base64 length is invalid; copy the complete padded reply.");
+    }
+    const validBase64 = /^(?:[A-Za-z0-9+/]{4})*(?:[A-Za-z0-9+/]{2}==|[A-Za-z0-9+/]{3}=)?$/;
+    if (!validBase64.test(text)) {
+      throw new TelemetryDecodeError("The reply is not valid standard padded Base64.");
+    }
+    return text;
+  }
+
+  function base64ToBytes(encoded) {
+    let binary;
+    try {
+      if (typeof global.atob === "function") {
+        binary = global.atob(encoded);
+      } else if (typeof Buffer !== "undefined") {
+        return Uint8Array.from(Buffer.from(encoded, "base64"));
+      } else {
+        throw new Error("No Base64 decoder is available");
+      }
+    } catch (_error) {
+      throw new TelemetryDecodeError("The Base64 payload could not be decoded.");
+    }
+
+    const bytes = new Uint8Array(binary.length);
+    for (let index = 0; index < binary.length; index += 1) {
+      bytes[index] = binary.charCodeAt(index);
+    }
+    return bytes;
+  }
+
+  function bytesToHex(bytes) {
+    return Array.from(bytes, (value) => value.toString(16).padStart(2, "0"))
+      .join("")
+      .toUpperCase();
+  }
+
+  function asciiAt(bytes, offset, length) {
+    let value = "";
+    for (let index = 0; index < length; index += 1) {
+      value += String.fromCharCode(bytes[offset + index]);
+    }
+    return value;
+  }
+
+  function extractHexBytes(input) {
+    if (typeof input !== "string" || input.trim() === "") {
+      throw new TelemetryDecodeError("Paste raw packet hex from the analyzer first.");
+    }
+    if (input.length > 32768) {
+      throw new TelemetryDecodeError("The pasted value is too large to be a MeshCore packet.");
+    }
+
+    const text = input
+      .trim()
+      .replace(/^```(?:text|json)?\s*/i, "")
+      .replace(/```\s*$/, "");
+    const candidates = [text];
+    text.split(/\r?\n/).forEach((line) => {
+      candidates.push(line);
+      const separator = line.search(/[:=]/);
+      if (separator >= 0) candidates.push(line.slice(separator + 1));
+    });
+    const streams = text.match(
+      /(?:0x)?[0-9a-f]{2}(?:(?:[\s:,_-]*)(?:0x)?[0-9a-f]{2}){18,}/gi
+    );
+    if (streams) candidates.push(...streams);
+
+    let firstValid = null;
+    for (const candidate of candidates) {
+      const normalized = candidate
+        .trim()
+        .replace(/^['"]|['",;]$/g, "")
+        .replace(/0x/gi, "")
+        .replace(/[\s:,_-]/g, "");
+      if (normalized.length < BINARY_HEADER_SIZE * 2
+          || normalized.length % 2 !== 0
+          || !/^[0-9a-f]+$/i.test(normalized)) {
+        continue;
+      }
+      const bytes = new Uint8Array(normalized.length / 2);
+      for (let index = 0; index < bytes.length; index += 1) {
+        bytes[index] = Number.parseInt(normalized.slice(index * 2, index * 2 + 2), 16);
+      }
+      if (firstValid === null) firstValid = bytes;
+      for (let offset = 0; offset <= bytes.length - 4; offset += 1) {
+        const magic = asciiAt(bytes, offset, 4);
+        if (magic === BINARY_TEMPERATURE_MAGIC || magic === BINARY_VOLTAGE_MAGIC) {
+          return bytes;
+        }
+      }
+    }
+
+    if (firstValid) {
+      throw new TelemetryDecodeError(
+        "Hex was found, but it does not contain TTB1 temperature or TVB1 voltage telemetry."
+      );
+    }
+    throw new TelemetryDecodeError(
+      "Raw packet data must contain complete two-character hexadecimal bytes."
+    );
+  }
+
+  function uint32LE(bytes, offset) {
+    return (
+      bytes[offset] |
+      (bytes[offset + 1] << 8) |
+      (bytes[offset + 2] << 16) |
+      (bytes[offset + 3] << 24)
+    ) >>> 0;
+  }
+
+  function int32LE(bytes, offset) {
+    const value = uint32LE(bytes, offset);
+    return value > 0x7fffffff ? value - 0x100000000 : value;
+  }
+
+  function readPackedBits(bytes, byteOffset, bitOffset, width) {
+    let value = 0;
+    const firstBit = byteOffset * 8 + bitOffset;
+    for (let bit = 0; bit < width; bit += 1) {
+      const absoluteBit = firstBit + bit;
+      value =
+        (value << 1) |
+        ((bytes[Math.floor(absoluteBit / 8)] >> (7 - (absoluteBit % 8))) & 1);
+    }
+    return value;
+  }
+
+  function signed14(value) {
+    return value & 0x2000 ? value - 0x4000 : value;
+  }
+
+  function decodeHeader(bytes) {
+    if (bytes.length < 7) {
+      throw new TelemetryDecodeError("Telemetry payload is shorter than its seven-byte header.");
+    }
+    const header = {
+      typeCode: bytes[0],
+      firstEpoch: uint32LE(bytes, 1),
+      intervalMinutes: bytes[5],
+      count: bytes[6],
+      byteLength: bytes.length,
+    };
+    if (header.intervalMinutes === 0) {
+      throw new TelemetryDecodeError("Telemetry sample interval cannot be zero.");
+    }
+    if (header.count === 0) {
+      throw new TelemetryDecodeError("Telemetry sample count cannot be zero.");
+    }
+    return header;
+  }
+
+  function assertLength(bytes, expected, label) {
+    if (bytes.length !== expected) {
+      throw new TelemetryDecodeError(
+        `${label} payload should be ${expected} bytes for this sample count; received ${bytes.length}.`
+      );
+    }
+  }
+
+  function sampleEpoch(header, index) {
+    return header.firstEpoch + index * header.intervalMinutes * 60;
+  }
+
+  function decodePacketEnvelope(bytes, payloadOffset) {
+    if (bytes.length < 2) return null;
+    const headerByte = bytes[0];
+    const routeCode = headerByte & 0x03;
+    const payloadType = (headerByte >> 2) & 0x0f;
+    const payloadVersion = (headerByte >> 6) + 1;
+    let pathLengthOffset = 1;
+    if (routeCode === 0 || routeCode === 3) pathLengthOffset += 4;
+    if (pathLengthOffset >= bytes.length) return null;
+    const pathMetadata = bytes[pathLengthOffset];
+    const hashSizeCode = pathMetadata >> 6;
+    if (hashSizeCode === 3) return null;
+    const hopCount = pathMetadata & 0x3f;
+    const pathHashBytes = hashSizeCode + 1;
+    const expectedPayloadOffset = pathLengthOffset + 1 + hopCount * pathHashBytes;
+    if (expectedPayloadOffset !== payloadOffset || expectedPayloadOffset > bytes.length) return null;
+
+    const routeNames = ["transport flood", "flood", "direct", "transport direct"];
+    return {
+      headerByte,
+      routeCode,
+      routeName: routeNames[routeCode],
+      payloadType,
+      payloadVersion,
+      hopCount,
+      pathHashBytes,
+      payloadOffset,
+      isRawCustom: payloadType === PAYLOAD_TYPE_RAW_CUSTOM,
+    };
+  }
+
+  function decodeBinarySnapshot(bytes, offset) {
+    if (bytes.length - offset < BINARY_HEADER_SIZE) {
+      throw new TelemetryDecodeError("The binary telemetry header is incomplete.");
+    }
+    const magic = asciiAt(bytes, offset, 4);
+    const count = bytes[offset + 18];
+    const intervalMinutes = bytes[offset + 16] | (bytes[offset + 17] << 8);
+    if (count < 1 || count > BINARY_MAX_SAMPLES) {
+      throw new TelemetryDecodeError(
+        `Binary telemetry sample count ${count} is outside the supported 1-${BINARY_MAX_SAMPLES} range.`
+      );
+    }
+    if (intervalMinutes === 0) {
+      throw new TelemetryDecodeError("Binary telemetry sample interval cannot be zero.");
+    }
+    const payloadLength = BINARY_HEADER_SIZE + count;
+    if (bytes.length - offset < payloadLength) {
+      throw new TelemetryDecodeError(
+        `Binary telemetry declares ${count} samples but ${payloadLength - (bytes.length - offset)} payload bytes are missing.`
+      );
+    }
+
+    const header = {
+      typeCode: magic,
+      firstEpoch: uint32LE(bytes, offset + 12),
+      intervalMinutes,
+      count,
+      byteLength: payloadLength,
+      sourceId: bytesToHex(bytes.slice(offset + 4, offset + 12)),
+      format: "binary",
+      payloadOffset: offset,
+      inputByteLength: bytes.length,
+      trailingBytes: bytes.length - offset - payloadLength,
+      packet: decodePacketEnvelope(bytes, offset),
+    };
+    const rows = [];
+    for (let index = 0; index < count; index += 1) {
+      const rawCode = bytes[offset + BINARY_HEADER_SIZE + index];
+      if (magic === BINARY_TEMPERATURE_MAGIC) {
+        let status = "Value";
+        let valueC = null;
+        if (rawCode === 0) status = "Missing";
+        else if (rawCode === 1) status = "Below range";
+        else if (rawCode === 2) status = "Above range";
+        else if (rawCode <= 130) valueC = rawCode - 53;
+        else status = "Reserved code";
+        rows.push({
+          index,
+          epoch: sampleEpoch(header, index),
+          status,
+          statusCode: null,
+          rawCode,
+          valueC,
+        });
+      } else {
+        let status = "Value";
+        let millivolts = null;
+        if (rawCode === 0) status = "Missing";
+        else if (rawCode === 1) status = "Below range";
+        else if (rawCode === 255) status = "Above range";
+        else millivolts = 1880 + (rawCode - 2) * 10;
+        rows.push({
+          index,
+          epoch: sampleEpoch(header, index),
+          status,
+          rawCode,
+          millivolts,
+        });
+      }
+    }
+    const warnings = [];
+    if (header.packet && !header.packet.isRawCustom) {
+      warnings.push(
+        `The enclosing packet type is 0x${header.packet.payloadType.toString(16)}, not RAW_CUSTOM (0x0f).`
+      );
+    }
+    if (header.trailingBytes > 0) {
+      warnings.push(`${header.trailingBytes} byte(s) after the declared telemetry payload were ignored.`);
+    }
+    if (magic === BINARY_TEMPERATURE_MAGIC
+        && rows.some((row) => row.status === "Reserved code")) {
+      warnings.push("One or more temperature samples use a reserved code and may be corrupt.");
+    }
+    return {
+      ...header,
+      kind: magic === BINARY_TEMPERATURE_MAGIC ? "temperature" : "voltage",
+      label: magic === BINARY_TEMPERATURE_MAGIC ? "Temperature" : "Battery voltage",
+      rows,
+      warnings,
+    };
+  }
+
+  function decodeRawTelemetryHex(input) {
+    const bytes = extractHexBytes(input);
+    const decodedCandidates = [];
+    let lastError = null;
+    for (let offset = 0; offset <= bytes.length - 4; offset += 1) {
+      const magic = asciiAt(bytes, offset, 4);
+      if (magic !== BINARY_TEMPERATURE_MAGIC && magic !== BINARY_VOLTAGE_MAGIC) continue;
+      try {
+        decodedCandidates.push(decodeBinarySnapshot(bytes, offset));
+      } catch (error) {
+        lastError = error;
+      }
+    }
+    if (decodedCandidates.length === 0) {
+      if (lastError) throw lastError;
+      throw new TelemetryDecodeError("No supported telemetry snapshot was found in the hex data.");
+    }
+    if (decodedCandidates.length > 1) {
+      throw new TelemetryDecodeError(
+        "More than one telemetry snapshot was found; paste one analyzer packet at a time."
+      );
+    }
+    const decoded = decodedCandidates[0];
+    decoded.encoded = bytesToHex(bytes);
+    return decoded;
+  }
+
+  function decodeTemperature(bytes, header) {
+    const statusBytes = Math.ceil((header.count * 2) / 8);
+    const valueBytes = Math.ceil((header.count * 7) / 8);
+    assertLength(bytes, 7 + statusBytes + valueBytes, "Temperature");
+
+    const rows = [];
+    for (let index = 0; index < header.count; index += 1) {
+      const statusCode = readPackedBits(bytes, 7, index * 2, 2);
+      const rawCode = readPackedBits(bytes, 7 + statusBytes, index * 7, 7);
+      let status;
+      let valueC = null;
+      if (statusCode === 0) {
+        status = "Missing";
+      } else if (statusCode === 1) {
+        status = "Value";
+        valueC = rawCode - 50;
+      } else if (statusCode === 2) {
+        status = "Below range";
+      } else {
+        status = "Above range";
+      }
+      rows.push({
+        index,
+        epoch: sampleEpoch(header, index),
+        status,
+        statusCode,
+        rawCode,
+        valueC,
+      });
+    }
+
+    return {
+      ...header,
+      kind: "temperature",
+      label: "Temperature",
+      rows,
+      warnings: [],
+    };
+  }
+
+  function decodeVoltage(bytes, header) {
+    assertLength(bytes, 7 + header.count, "Voltage");
+
+    const rows = [];
+    for (let index = 0; index < header.count; index += 1) {
+      const rawCode = bytes[7 + index];
+      let status;
+      let millivolts = null;
+      if (rawCode === 0) {
+        status = "Missing";
+      } else if (rawCode === 1) {
+        status = "Below range";
+      } else if (rawCode === 255) {
+        status = "Above range";
+      } else {
+        status = "Value";
+        millivolts = 1880 + (rawCode - 2) * 10;
+      }
+      rows.push({
+        index,
+        epoch: sampleEpoch(header, index),
+        status,
+        rawCode,
+        millivolts,
+      });
+    }
+
+    return {
+      ...header,
+      kind: "voltage",
+      label: "Battery voltage",
+      rows,
+      warnings: [],
+    };
+  }
+
+  function decodeGps(bytes, header) {
+    if (bytes.length < 17) {
+      throw new TelemetryDecodeError("GPS payload is shorter than its 17-byte header.");
+    }
+    const dataBytes = Math.ceil((header.count * 28) / 8);
+    assertLength(bytes, 17 + dataBytes, "GPS");
+
+    const originLatE7 = int32LE(bytes, 7);
+    const originLonE7 = int32LE(bytes, 11);
+    const originIndex = bytes[15];
+    const flags = bytes[16];
+    if (originIndex !== 0xff && originIndex >= header.count) {
+      throw new TelemetryDecodeError(
+        `GPS origin index ${originIndex} is outside the ${header.count}-sample page.`
+      );
+    }
+
+    const warnings = [];
+    if (flags & 0x01) {
+      warnings.push(
+        "At least one GPS differential was clipped to the signed 14-bit range; positions after it may be less accurate."
+      );
+    }
+    if (flags & 0xfe) {
+      warnings.push(`GPS flags contain unknown bits: 0x${flags.toString(16).padStart(2, "0")}.`);
+    }
+    if (originIndex !== 0xff) {
+      warnings.push(
+        "A 0 m / 0 m GPS differential after the origin is ambiguous: it can mean an unchanged fix, movement under the 10 m resolution, or no fix."
+      );
+    }
+    if (
+      originIndex !== 0xff &&
+      (originLatE7 < -900000000 ||
+        originLatE7 > 900000000 ||
+        originLonE7 < -1800000000 ||
+        originLonE7 > 1800000000)
+    ) {
+      warnings.push("The GPS origin is outside the valid latitude/longitude range.");
+    }
+
+    let referenceLat = originLatE7 / 10000000;
+    let referenceLon = originLonE7 / 10000000;
+    let unexpectedPreOriginDelta = false;
+    const rows = [];
+
+    for (let index = 0; index < header.count; index += 1) {
+      const bitOffset = index * 28;
+      const northUnits = signed14(readPackedBits(bytes, 17, bitOffset, 14));
+      const eastUnits = signed14(readPackedBits(bytes, 17, bitOffset + 14, 14));
+      const northMeters = northUnits * 10;
+      const eastMeters = eastUnits * 10;
+      let latitude = null;
+      let longitude = null;
+      let status;
+      let ambiguous = false;
+      let possiblyClipped = false;
+
+      if (originIndex === 0xff) {
+        status = "No fix";
+        if (northUnits !== 0 || eastUnits !== 0) unexpectedPreOriginDelta = true;
+      } else if (index < originIndex) {
+        status = "No fix";
+        if (northUnits !== 0 || eastUnits !== 0) unexpectedPreOriginDelta = true;
+      } else if (index === originIndex) {
+        status = "Origin fix";
+        latitude = referenceLat;
+        longitude = referenceLon;
+        if (northUnits !== 0 || eastUnits !== 0) {
+          warnings.push("The GPS origin row contains a non-zero differential.");
+        }
+      } else if (northUnits === 0 && eastUnits === 0) {
+        status = "Unchanged / no fix";
+        ambiguous = true;
+      } else {
+        referenceLat += northMeters / METERS_PER_DEGREE;
+        const longitudeScale =
+          METERS_PER_DEGREE * Math.cos(referenceLat * DEGREES_TO_RADIANS);
+        if (Math.abs(longitudeScale) > 0.001) {
+          referenceLon += eastMeters / longitudeScale;
+        }
+        latitude = referenceLat;
+        longitude = referenceLon;
+        possiblyClipped =
+          Boolean(flags & 0x01) &&
+          [northUnits, eastUnits].some((value) => value === -8192 || value === 8191);
+        status = possiblyClipped ? "Fix (clipped delta)" : "Fix";
+      }
+
+      rows.push({
+        index,
+        epoch: sampleEpoch(header, index),
+        status,
+        latitude,
+        longitude,
+        northMeters,
+        eastMeters,
+        ambiguous,
+        possiblyClipped,
+      });
+    }
+
+    if (unexpectedPreOriginDelta) {
+      warnings.push("A no-fix row contains a non-zero GPS differential.");
+    }
+
+    return {
+      ...header,
+      kind: "gps",
+      label: "GPS",
+      originLatE7,
+      originLonE7,
+      originIndex,
+      flags,
+      rows,
+      warnings,
+    };
+  }
+
+  function decodeTelemetry(input) {
+    const compactHex = typeof input === "string"
+      ? input.replace(/^```(?:text|json)?\s*/i, "")
+        .replace(/```\s*$/, "")
+        .replace(/0x/gi, "")
+        .replace(/[\s:,_-]/g, "")
+        .replace(/^['"]|['",;]$/g, "")
+      : "";
+    if ((/^[0-9a-f]+$/i.test(compactHex) && compactHex.length % 2 === 0)
+        || /54544231|54564231/i.test(String(input))) {
+      return decodeRawTelemetryHex(input);
+    }
+    const encoded = extractBase64(input);
+    const bytes = base64ToBytes(encoded);
+    if (bytes.length === 0) {
+      throw new TelemetryDecodeError("The Base64 payload decoded to zero bytes.");
+    }
+
+    const header = decodeHeader(bytes);
+    let decoded;
+    if (header.typeCode === TYPE_TEMPERATURE) {
+      decoded = decodeTemperature(bytes, header);
+    } else if (header.typeCode === TYPE_VOLTAGE) {
+      decoded = decodeVoltage(bytes, header);
+    } else if (header.typeCode === TYPE_GPS) {
+      decoded = decodeGps(bytes, header);
+    } else {
+      throw new TelemetryDecodeError(
+        `Unsupported telemetry type 0x${header.typeCode.toString(16).padStart(2, "0")}; expected 0x11, 0x12, or 0x13.`
+      );
+    }
+    decoded.encoded = encoded;
+    return decoded;
+  }
+
+  function timestampText(epoch, localTime) {
+    const date = new Date(epoch * 1000);
+    if (!Number.isFinite(date.getTime())) return "Invalid timestamp";
+    if (!localTime) return date.toISOString().replace(".000Z", "Z");
+    return new Intl.DateTimeFormat(undefined, {
+      year: "numeric",
+      month: "2-digit",
+      day: "2-digit",
+      hour: "2-digit",
+      minute: "2-digit",
+      second: "2-digit",
+      timeZoneName: "short",
+    }).format(date);
+  }
+
+  function tableModel(decoded, localTime) {
+    const localZone =
+      (Intl.DateTimeFormat().resolvedOptions() || {}).timeZone || "browser local";
+    const timestampHeader = localTime ? `Timestamp (${localZone})` : "Timestamp (UTC)";
+
+    if (decoded.kind === "temperature") {
+      return {
+        headers: [
+          "#",
+          timestampHeader,
+          "Status",
+          "Temperature",
+          decoded.format === "binary" ? "Raw code" : "Raw status/code",
+        ],
+        rows: decoded.rows.map((row) => ({
+          muted: row.status === "Missing",
+          values: [
+            row.index + 1,
+            timestampText(row.epoch, localTime),
+            row.status,
+            row.status === "Below range"
+              ? "< -50 °C"
+              : row.status === "Above range"
+                ? "> 77 °C"
+                : row.valueC === null
+                  ? "—"
+                  : `${row.valueC} °C`,
+            row.statusCode === null ? row.rawCode : `${row.statusCode} / ${row.rawCode}`,
+          ],
+        })),
+      };
+    }
+
+    if (decoded.kind === "voltage") {
+      return {
+        headers: ["#", timestampHeader, "Status", "Battery voltage", "Raw code"],
+        rows: decoded.rows.map((row) => ({
+          muted: row.status === "Missing",
+          values: [
+            row.index + 1,
+            timestampText(row.epoch, localTime),
+            row.status,
+            row.status === "Below range"
+              ? "< 1.88 V"
+              : row.status === "Above range"
+                ? "> 4.40 V"
+                : row.millivolts === null
+                  ? "—"
+                  : `${(row.millivolts / 1000).toFixed(2)} V`,
+            row.rawCode,
+          ],
+        })),
+      };
+    }
+
+    return {
+      headers: [
+        "#",
+        timestampHeader,
+        "Status",
+        "Latitude",
+        "Longitude",
+        "North Δ",
+        "East Δ",
+      ],
+      rows: decoded.rows.map((row) => ({
+        muted: row.status === "No fix" || row.ambiguous,
+        values: [
+          row.index + 1,
+          timestampText(row.epoch, localTime),
+          row.status,
+          row.latitude === null ? "—" : row.latitude.toFixed(7),
+          row.longitude === null ? "—" : row.longitude.toFixed(7),
+          `${row.northMeters} m`,
+          `${row.eastMeters} m`,
+        ],
+      })),
+    };
+  }
+
+  function summaryItems(decoded, localTime) {
+    const lastEpoch = sampleEpoch(decoded, decoded.count - 1);
+    const items = [
+      [
+        "Payload",
+        decoded.format === "binary"
+          ? `${decoded.label} (${decoded.typeCode})`
+          : `${decoded.label} (0x${decoded.typeCode.toString(16)})`,
+      ],
+      ["Samples", String(decoded.count)],
+      ["Interval", `${decoded.intervalMinutes} minutes`],
+      ["First sample", timestampText(decoded.firstEpoch, localTime)],
+      ["Last sample", timestampText(lastEpoch, localTime)],
+      ["Decoded size", `${decoded.byteLength} bytes`],
+    ];
+    if (decoded.format === "binary") {
+      items.splice(1, 0, ["Repeater ID", decoded.sourceId]);
+      items.push([
+        "Input",
+        decoded.packet
+          ? `MeshCore ${decoded.packet.routeName}, ${decoded.packet.hopCount} path hops`
+          : decoded.payloadOffset === 0
+            ? "Telemetry payload hex"
+            : `Embedded payload at byte ${decoded.payloadOffset}`,
+      ]);
+      if (decoded.packet) {
+        items.push([
+          "Packet header",
+          `0x${decoded.packet.headerByte.toString(16).padStart(2, "0")} / payload v${decoded.packet.payloadVersion}`,
+        ]);
+      }
+    }
+    if (decoded.kind === "gps") {
+      items.push([
+        "Origin",
+        decoded.originIndex === 0xff
+          ? "No fix on page"
+          : `row ${decoded.originIndex + 1}: ${(decoded.originLatE7 / 1e7).toFixed(7)}, ${(decoded.originLonE7 / 1e7).toFixed(7)}`,
+      ]);
+      items.push(["GPS flags", `0x${decoded.flags.toString(16).padStart(2, "0")}`]);
+    }
+    return items;
+  }
+
+  function csvCell(value) {
+    const text = String(value);
+    return /[",\r\n]/.test(text) ? `"${text.replace(/"/g, '""')}"` : text;
+  }
+
+  function modelToCsv(model) {
+    return [model.headers, ...model.rows.map((row) => row.values)]
+      .map((row) => row.map(csvCell).join(","))
+      .join("\r\n");
+  }
+
+  function appendCell(row, tagName, value) {
+    const cell = document.createElement(tagName);
+    cell.textContent = String(value);
+    row.appendChild(cell);
+  }
+
+  function initializeDecoder() {
+    const root = document.querySelector("[data-telemetry-decoder]");
+    if (!root) return;
+
+    const input = root.querySelector("[data-role='input']");
+    const decodeButton = root.querySelector("[data-role='decode']");
+    const clearButton = root.querySelector("[data-role='clear']");
+    const downloadButton = root.querySelector("[data-role='download']");
+    const localTime = root.querySelector("[data-role='local-time']");
+    const errorBox = root.querySelector("[data-role='error']");
+    const results = root.querySelector("[data-role='results']");
+    const resultTitle = root.querySelector("[data-role='result-title']");
+    const summary = root.querySelector("[data-role='summary']");
+    const warningBox = root.querySelector("[data-role='warnings']");
+    const warningList = root.querySelector("[data-role='warning-list']");
+    const table = root.querySelector("[data-role='table']");
+    let current = null;
+
+    root.querySelectorAll("[data-example-reply]").forEach((element) => {
+      const example = EXAMPLES[element.getAttribute("data-example-reply")];
+      if (example) element.textContent = example.reply;
+    });
+
+    function hideError() {
+      errorBox.hidden = true;
+      errorBox.textContent = "";
+    }
+
+    function showError(error) {
+      current = null;
+      results.hidden = true;
+      errorBox.textContent = error instanceof Error ? error.message : String(error);
+      errorBox.hidden = false;
+    }
+
+    function render() {
+      if (!current) return;
+      const useLocalTime = localTime.checked;
+      const model = tableModel(current, useLocalTime);
+      resultTitle.textContent = `${current.label} telemetry`;
+
+      summary.replaceChildren();
+      summaryItems(current, useLocalTime).forEach(([term, description]) => {
+        const item = document.createElement("div");
+        const dt = document.createElement("dt");
+        const dd = document.createElement("dd");
+        dt.textContent = term;
+        dd.textContent = description;
+        item.append(dt, dd);
+        summary.appendChild(item);
+      });
+
+      warningList.replaceChildren();
+      current.warnings.forEach((warning) => {
+        const item = document.createElement("li");
+        item.textContent = warning;
+        warningList.appendChild(item);
+      });
+      warningBox.hidden = current.warnings.length === 0;
+
+      table.replaceChildren();
+      const head = document.createElement("thead");
+      const headRow = document.createElement("tr");
+      model.headers.forEach((header) => appendCell(headRow, "th", header));
+      head.appendChild(headRow);
+      table.appendChild(head);
+
+      const body = document.createElement("tbody");
+      model.rows.forEach((modelRow) => {
+        const row = document.createElement("tr");
+        if (modelRow.muted) row.classList.add("telemetry-row-muted");
+        modelRow.values.forEach((value) => appendCell(row, "td", value));
+        body.appendChild(row);
+      });
+      table.appendChild(body);
+      results.hidden = false;
+    }
+
+    function decodeInput() {
+      hideError();
+      try {
+        current = decodeTelemetry(input.value);
+        render();
+      } catch (error) {
+        showError(error);
+      }
+    }
+
+    decodeButton.addEventListener("click", decodeInput);
+    clearButton.addEventListener("click", () => {
+      input.value = "";
+      current = null;
+      results.hidden = true;
+      hideError();
+      input.focus();
+    });
+    localTime.addEventListener("change", render);
+    input.addEventListener("keydown", (event) => {
+      if (event.key === "Enter" && (event.ctrlKey || event.metaKey)) {
+        event.preventDefault();
+        decodeInput();
+      }
+    });
+
+    root.querySelectorAll("[data-telemetry-example]").forEach((button) => {
+      button.addEventListener("click", () => {
+        const example = EXAMPLES[button.getAttribute("data-telemetry-example")];
+        if (!example) return;
+        input.value = example.reply;
+        decodeInput();
+      });
+    });
+
+    downloadButton.addEventListener("click", () => {
+      if (!current) return;
+      const csv = modelToCsv(tableModel(current, localTime.checked));
+      const blob = new Blob([csv], { type: "text/csv;charset=utf-8" });
+      const url = URL.createObjectURL(blob);
+      const link = document.createElement("a");
+      link.href = url;
+      const sourcePart = current.sourceId ? `${current.sourceId.toLowerCase()}-` : "";
+      link.download = `meshcore-telemetry-${sourcePart}${current.kind}.csv`;
+      document.body.appendChild(link);
+      link.click();
+      link.remove();
+      URL.revokeObjectURL(url);
+    });
+
+    const requestedExample = new URLSearchParams(global.location.search).get("example");
+    if (requestedExample && EXAMPLES[requestedExample]) {
+      input.value = EXAMPLES[requestedExample].reply;
+      decodeInput();
+    }
+  }
+
+  const api = Object.freeze({
+    EXAMPLES,
+    TelemetryDecodeError,
+    decodeTelemetry,
+    decodeRawTelemetryHex,
+    extractHexBytes,
+    extractBase64,
+    tableModel,
+    modelToCsv,
+  });
+
+  global.MeshCoreTelemetryDecoder = api;
+  if (typeof module === "object" && module.exports) module.exports = api;
+
+  if (typeof document !== "undefined") {
+    if (document.readyState === "loading") {
+      document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", initializeDecoder, { once: true });
+    } else {
+      initializeDecoder();
+    }
+  }
+})(typeof globalThis !== "undefined" ? globalThis : this);
@@ -0,0 +1,866 @@
+.filter-tool {
+  --filter-border: color-mix(in srgb, var(--md-default-fg-color) 18%, transparent);
+  --filter-border-strong: color-mix(in srgb, var(--md-primary-fg-color) 46%, transparent);
+  --filter-soft: color-mix(in srgb, var(--md-default-fg-color) 5%, transparent);
+  --filter-softer: color-mix(in srgb, var(--md-default-fg-color) 2.5%, transparent);
+  --filter-accent: color-mix(in srgb, var(--md-primary-fg-color) 12%, transparent);
+  --filter-warning: #ed9b00;
+  --filter-danger: #d32f2f;
+  margin: 1.5rem 0 2rem;
+  color: var(--md-default-fg-color);
+}
+
+.filter-design-warning {
+  margin: 1rem 0;
+  padding: 0.75rem 0.9rem;
+  border-left: 0.25rem solid #ed9b00;
+  border-radius: 0.25rem;
+  background: color-mix(in srgb, #ed9b00 11%, transparent);
+}
+
+.filter-design-warning strong {
+  display: block;
+  margin-bottom: 0.2rem;
+}
+
+.filter-design-warning p {
+  margin: 0;
+}
+
+.filter-tool [hidden] {
+  display: none !important;
+}
+
+.filter-management-safety {
+  margin-bottom: 1rem;
+  padding: 0.75rem 0.9rem;
+  border-left: 0.25rem solid var(--md-primary-fg-color);
+  border-radius: 0.25rem;
+  background: var(--filter-accent);
+}
+
+.filter-management-safety strong {
+  display: block;
+  margin-bottom: 0.2rem;
+}
+
+.filter-management-safety p {
+  margin: 0;
+  font-size: 0.78rem;
+  line-height: 1.5;
+}
+
+.filter-tool-toolbar {
+  display: flex;
+  flex-wrap: wrap;
+  gap: 0.55rem;
+  align-items: center;
+  margin-bottom: 1rem;
+  padding: 0.8rem;
+  border: 1px solid var(--filter-border);
+  border-radius: 0.65rem;
+  background:
+    linear-gradient(120deg, var(--filter-accent), transparent 56%),
+    var(--md-default-bg-color);
+}
+
+.filter-example-heading {
+  display: grid;
+  flex: 1 0 100%;
+  gap: 0.15rem;
+}
+
+.filter-example-heading span {
+  color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--md-default-fg-color) 64%, transparent);
+  font-size: 0.72rem;
+}
+
+.filter-example-primer {
+  flex: 1 0 100%;
+  padding: 0.6rem 0.7rem;
+  border-radius: 0.4rem;
+  background: var(--filter-soft);
+}
+
+.filter-example-primer > p {
+  margin: 0;
+  color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--md-default-fg-color) 76%, transparent);
+  font-size: 0.72rem;
+  line-height: 1.45;
+}
+
+.filter-primer-tables {
+  display: grid;
+  grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 0.85fr) minmax(0, 1.15fr);
+  gap: 0.6rem;
+  align-items: start;
+  margin-top: 0.5rem;
+}
+
+.filter-primer-table {
+  width: 100%;
+  margin: 0 !important;
+  border-collapse: collapse;
+  border: 1px solid var(--filter-border);
+  background: var(--md-default-bg-color);
+  font-size: 0.68rem;
+  line-height: 1.35;
+}
+
+.filter-primer-table caption {
+  padding: 0 0 0.3rem;
+  color: var(--md-default-fg-color);
+  font-size: 0.7rem;
+  font-weight: 800;
+  text-align: left;
+}
+
+.filter-primer-table th,
+.filter-primer-table td {
+  padding: 0.32rem 0.4rem;
+  border: 1px solid var(--filter-border);
+  text-align: left;
+  vertical-align: top;
+}
+
+.filter-primer-table th {
+  background: var(--filter-soft);
+  font-weight: 800;
+}
+
+.filter-primer-table th:first-child,
+.filter-primer-table td:first-child {
+  width: 38%;
+}
+
+.filter-primer-table code {
+  white-space: nowrap;
+}
+
+.filter-example-primer > .filter-primer-note {
+  margin-top: 0.45rem;
+}
+
+.filter-example-grid {
+  display: grid;
+  flex: 1 0 100%;
+  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(14rem, 1fr));
+  gap: 0.55rem;
+}
+
+.filter-tool .filter-example-grid button {
+  display: grid;
+  gap: 0.3rem;
+  align-content: start;
+  min-height: 4.25rem;
+  text-align: left;
+}
+
+.filter-example-grid button span {
+  line-height: 1.3;
+}
+
+.filter-example-grid button code {
+  color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--md-default-fg-color) 65%, transparent);
+  background: transparent;
+  font-size: 0.61rem;
+  font-weight: 500;
+  line-height: 1.35;
+  overflow-wrap: anywhere;
+  white-space: normal;
+}
+
+.filter-tool-grid {
+  display: grid;
+  grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1.1fr) minmax(18rem, 0.9fr);
+  gap: 1rem;
+  align-items: start;
+}
+
+.filter-tool.filter-policy-detached .filter-tool-grid {
+  grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr);
+}
+
+.filter-policy-rail {
+  margin: 1rem 0 2rem;
+}
+
+.filter-policy-rail .filter-policy {
+  width: 100%;
+}
+
+@media (min-width: 90rem) {
+  .md-sidebar--secondary.filter-policy-sidebar {
+    width: calc(20rem + (100vw - 61rem) / 2);
+    margin-inline-end: calc((61rem - 100vw) / 2);
+  }
+
+  [dir="ltr"] .md-sidebar--secondary.filter-policy-sidebar .md-sidebar__inner {
+    padding-right: 0;
+  }
+
+  [dir="rtl"] .md-sidebar--secondary.filter-policy-sidebar .md-sidebar__inner {
+    padding-left: 0;
+  }
+}
+
+.filter-panel {
+  min-width: 0;
+  padding: 1rem;
+  border: 1px solid var(--filter-border);
+  border-radius: 0.65rem;
+  background: var(--md-default-bg-color);
+  box-shadow: 0 0.15rem 0.65rem color-mix(in srgb, #000 9%, transparent);
+}
+
+.filter-panel + .filter-panel,
+.filter-tool-grid + .filter-panel {
+  margin-top: 1rem;
+}
+
+.filter-tool-grid .filter-panel + .filter-panel {
+  margin-top: 0;
+}
+
+.filter-panel-heading {
+  display: flex;
+  gap: 0.75rem;
+  align-items: flex-start;
+  justify-content: space-between;
+  padding-bottom: 0.75rem;
+  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--filter-border);
+}
+
+.filter-panel-heading h2 {
+  margin: 0.12rem 0 0 !important;
+  font-size: 1.22rem;
+  line-height: 1.25;
+}
+
+.filter-eyebrow {
+  margin: 0;
+  color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--md-default-fg-color) 62%, transparent);
+  font-size: 0.66rem;
+  font-weight: 800;
+  letter-spacing: 0.09em;
+  text-transform: uppercase;
+}
+
+.filter-tool h3 {
+  margin: 1rem 0 0.55rem;
+  font-size: 0.88rem;
+  letter-spacing: 0.015em;
+}
+
+.filter-form-grid {
+  display: grid;
+  grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));
+  gap: 0.72rem;
+}
+
+.filter-tool label {
+  display: block;
+  min-width: 0;
+  color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--md-default-fg-color) 82%, transparent);
+  font-size: 0.76rem;
+  font-weight: 750;
+}
+
+.filter-tool input,
+.filter-tool select,
+.filter-tool textarea {
+  display: block;
+  width: 100%;
+  box-sizing: border-box;
+  margin-top: 0.3rem;
+  border: 1px solid var(--filter-border);
+  border-radius: 0.38rem;
+  color: var(--md-default-fg-color);
+  background: var(--md-code-bg-color);
+  font: inherit;
+}
+
+.filter-tool input,
+.filter-tool select {
+  min-height: 2.35rem;
+  padding: 0.4rem 0.55rem;
+}
+
+.filter-tool textarea {
+  min-height: 9rem;
+  padding: 0.72rem;
+  resize: vertical;
+  font: 0.76rem/1.5 var(--md-code-font-family);
+  overflow-wrap: anywhere;
+  white-space: pre-wrap;
+}
+
+.filter-tool input:focus-visible,
+.filter-tool select:focus-visible,
+.filter-tool textarea:focus-visible,
+.filter-tool button:focus-visible {
+  outline: 0.15rem solid var(--md-accent-fg-color);
+  outline-offset: 0.12rem;
+}
+
+.filter-tool input::placeholder,
+.filter-tool textarea::placeholder {
+  color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--md-code-fg-color) 48%, transparent);
+}
+
+.filter-check-row {
+  display: flex;
+  flex-wrap: wrap;
+  gap: 0.65rem 1rem;
+  margin-top: 0.8rem;
+  padding: 0.68rem 0.75rem;
+  border: 1px solid var(--filter-border);
+  border-radius: 0.4rem;
+  background: var(--filter-soft);
+}
+
+.filter-check-row label {
+  display: inline-flex;
+  gap: 0.45rem;
+  align-items: center;
+  margin: 0;
+  cursor: pointer;
+}
+
+.filter-check-row input {
+  width: 1rem;
+  min-height: 1rem;
+  height: 1rem;
+  margin: 0;
+  padding: 0;
+}
+
+.filter-tool button {
+  appearance: none;
+  min-height: 2.2rem;
+  padding: 0.4rem 0.72rem;
+  border: 1px solid var(--filter-border);
+  border-radius: 0.35rem;
+  color: var(--md-default-fg-color);
+  background: var(--filter-soft);
+  font: inherit;
+  font-size: 0.76rem;
+  font-weight: 750;
+  cursor: pointer;
+}
+
+.filter-tool button:hover:not(:disabled) {
+  border-color: var(--filter-border-strong);
+  background: var(--filter-accent);
+}
+
+.filter-tool button:disabled {
+  cursor: not-allowed;
+  opacity: 0.48;
+}
+
+.filter-tool .filter-primary-action {
+  border-color: var(--md-primary-fg-color);
+  color: var(--md-primary-bg-color);
+  background: var(--md-primary-fg-color);
+}
+
+.filter-tool .filter-primary-action:hover:not(:disabled) {
+  filter: brightness(1.12);
+  background: var(--md-primary-fg-color);
+}
+
+.filter-tool .filter-danger-action {
+  color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--filter-danger) 82%, var(--md-default-fg-color));
+}
+
+.filter-field-help {
+  margin: 0.65rem 0;
+  color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--md-default-fg-color) 67%, transparent);
+  font-size: 0.76rem;
+  line-height: 1.48;
+}
+
+.filter-advanced {
+  margin-top: 1rem;
+  padding: 0.7rem 0.8rem;
+  border: 1px solid var(--filter-border);
+  border-radius: 0.48rem;
+  background: var(--filter-softer);
+}
+
+.filter-advanced summary {
+  font-size: 0.78rem;
+  font-weight: 800;
+  cursor: pointer;
+}
+
+.filter-advanced[open] summary {
+  margin-bottom: 0.65rem;
+}
+
+.filter-live-preview {
+  display: grid;
+  gap: 0.6rem;
+  margin-top: 1rem;
+  padding: 0.8rem;
+  border: 1px solid var(--filter-border-strong);
+  border-radius: 0.48rem;
+  background:
+    linear-gradient(135deg, var(--filter-accent), transparent 62%),
+    var(--filter-softer);
+}
+
+.filter-live-preview > div {
+  min-width: 0;
+}
+
+.filter-preview-label {
+  display: block;
+  margin-bottom: 0.32rem;
+  color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--md-default-fg-color) 62%, transparent);
+  font-size: 0.65rem;
+  font-weight: 800;
+  letter-spacing: 0.07em;
+  text-transform: uppercase;
+}
+
+.filter-live-preview code,
+.filter-rule-command,
+.filter-explain-results code {
+  display: block;
+  max-width: 100%;
+  padding: 0.58rem 0.65rem;
+  border: 1px solid var(--filter-border);
+  border-radius: 0.35rem;
+  color: var(--md-code-fg-color);
+  background: var(--md-code-bg-color);
+  font-size: 0.72rem;
+  line-height: 1.5;
+  overflow-wrap: anywhere;
+  white-space: pre-wrap;
+}
+
+.filter-live-preview p {
+  margin: 0;
+  font-size: 0.78rem;
+  line-height: 1.48;
+}
+
+.filter-builder-actions,
+.filter-rule-actions {
+  display: flex;
+  flex-wrap: wrap;
+  gap: 0.55rem;
+  margin-top: 0.75rem;
+}
+
+.filter-rule-list {
+  display: grid;
+  gap: 0.72rem;
+  margin: 0.85rem 0 0;
+  padding: 0;
+  list-style: none;
+}
+
+.filter-rule-list > li {
+  margin: 0;
+}
+
+.filter-rule-card {
+  padding: 0.75rem;
+  border: 1px solid var(--filter-border);
+  border-radius: 0.48rem;
+  background: var(--filter-softer);
+}
+
+.filter-rule-card-header {
+  display: flex;
+  gap: 0.75rem;
+  align-items: flex-start;
+  justify-content: space-between;
+  margin-bottom: 0.55rem;
+}
+
+.filter-rule-labels {
+  display: grid;
+  gap: 0.12rem;
+}
+
+.filter-rule-labels strong {
+  font-size: 0.81rem;
+}
+
+.filter-rule-labels span,
+.filter-rule-meta {
+  color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--md-default-fg-color) 62%, transparent);
+  font-size: 0.66rem;
+}
+
+.filter-rule-meta {
+  text-align: right;
+}
+
+.filter-rule-card p {
+  margin: 0.62rem 0 0;
+  font-size: 0.75rem;
+  line-height: 1.48;
+}
+
+.filter-rule-actions {
+  margin-top: 0.62rem;
+}
+
+.filter-rule-actions button {
+  min-height: 1.9rem;
+  padding: 0.26rem 0.55rem;
+  font-size: 0.7rem;
+}
+
+.filter-empty-state {
+  margin-top: 0.85rem;
+  padding: 2.2rem 1rem;
+  border: 1px dashed var(--filter-border-strong);
+  border-radius: 0.48rem;
+  color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--md-default-fg-color) 58%, transparent);
+  background: var(--filter-softer);
+  text-align: center;
+  font-size: 0.78rem;
+}
+
+.filter-policy-summary {
+  margin-top: 0.85rem;
+  padding-top: 0.65rem;
+  border-top: 1px solid var(--filter-border);
+  color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--md-default-fg-color) 68%, transparent);
+  font-size: 0.7rem;
+  font-weight: 700;
+}
+
+.filter-policy-target {
+  margin-top: 0.85rem;
+}
+
+.filter-policy-target label {
+  max-width: 18rem;
+}
+
+.filter-inline-warnings {
+  margin: 0.58rem 0 0 1rem;
+  padding: 0;
+  color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--filter-warning) 80%, var(--md-default-fg-color));
+  font-size: 0.71rem;
+  line-height: 1.42;
+}
+
+.filter-inline-warnings li + li {
+  margin-top: 0.2rem;
+}
+
+.filter-import textarea,
+.filter-export textarea {
+  min-height: 10rem;
+}
+
+.filter-error {
+  margin-top: 0.85rem;
+  padding: 0.7rem 0.8rem;
+  border-left: 0.25rem solid var(--filter-danger);
+  border-radius: 0.25rem;
+  color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--filter-danger) 82%, var(--md-default-fg-color));
+  background: color-mix(in srgb, var(--filter-danger) 10%, transparent);
+  font-size: 0.76rem;
+}
+
+.filter-simulator-facts {
+  margin-top: 0.85rem;
+}
+
+.filter-packet-reader {
+  margin-top: 0.85rem;
+  padding: 0.8rem;
+  border: 1px solid var(--filter-border-strong);
+  border-radius: 0.48rem;
+  background:
+    linear-gradient(135deg, var(--filter-accent), transparent 68%),
+    var(--filter-softer);
+}
+
+.filter-packet-reader-heading {
+  display: flex;
+  gap: 0.75rem;
+  align-items: flex-start;
+  justify-content: space-between;
+}
+
+.filter-packet-reader-heading h3 {
+  margin: 0;
+}
+
+.filter-packet-reader-heading .filter-field-help {
+  margin-bottom: 0.7rem;
+}
+
+.filter-packet-reader-heading > span {
+  flex: 0 0 auto;
+  padding: 0.2rem 0.42rem;
+  border: 1px solid var(--filter-border);
+  border-radius: 999px;
+  color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--md-default-fg-color) 65%, transparent);
+  background: var(--md-default-bg-color);
+  font-size: 0.62rem;
+  font-weight: 800;
+  text-transform: uppercase;
+}
+
+.filter-packet-reader textarea {
+  min-height: 5.2rem;
+}
+
+.filter-packet-decode {
+  margin-top: 0.85rem;
+  padding-top: 0.8rem;
+  border-top: 1px solid var(--filter-border);
+}
+
+.filter-packet-decode > h3 {
+  margin-top: 0;
+}
+
+.filter-packet-load-status {
+  margin: 0.7rem 0;
+  padding: 0.58rem 0.65rem;
+  border-left: 0.22rem solid #2e7d32;
+  border-radius: 0.28rem;
+  background: var(--filter-soft);
+  font-size: 0.72rem;
+  line-height: 1.42;
+}
+
+.filter-packet-load-status[data-loaded="false"] {
+  border-left-color: var(--filter-warning);
+}
+
+.filter-packet-fields {
+  display: grid;
+  grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));
+  gap: 0.55rem;
+  margin: 0.7rem 0 0;
+}
+
+.filter-packet-fields > div {
+  min-width: 0;
+  padding: 0.58rem;
+  border: 1px solid var(--filter-border);
+  border-radius: 0.35rem;
+  background: var(--md-code-bg-color);
+}
+
+.filter-packet-fields dt {
+  color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--md-default-fg-color) 58%, transparent);
+  font-size: 0.62rem;
+  font-weight: 800;
+  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
+  text-transform: uppercase;
+}
+
+.filter-packet-fields dd {
+  margin: 0.22rem 0 0;
+  font: 0.7rem/1.45 var(--md-code-font-family);
+  overflow-wrap: anywhere;
+}
+
+.filter-packet-notes {
+  margin-top: 0.7rem;
+}
+
+.filter-tool .filter-simulator-check {
+  display: flex;
+  gap: 0.55rem;
+  align-items: center;
+  align-self: end;
+  min-height: 2.35rem;
+  padding: 0.4rem 0.55rem;
+  border: 1px solid var(--filter-border);
+  border-radius: 0.38rem;
+  background: var(--filter-soft);
+  cursor: pointer;
+}
+
+.filter-tool .filter-simulator-check input {
+  flex: 0 0 auto;
+  width: 1rem;
+  height: 1rem;
+  min-height: 1rem;
+  margin: 0;
+  padding: 0;
+}
+
+.filter-decision {
+  margin-top: 1rem;
+  padding: 0.85rem;
+  border: 1px solid var(--filter-border-strong);
+  border-radius: 0.48rem;
+  background: var(--filter-softer);
+}
+
+.filter-decision > h3:first-child {
+  margin-top: 0;
+}
+
+.filter-decision-grid {
+  display: grid;
+  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(9rem, 1fr));
+  gap: 0.55rem;
+}
+
+.filter-decision-grid > div {
+  display: grid;
+  gap: 0.15rem;
+  padding: 0.58rem;
+  border: 1px solid var(--filter-border);
+  border-radius: 0.35rem;
+  background: var(--md-code-bg-color);
+}
+
+.filter-decision-grid span {
+  color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--md-default-fg-color) 58%, transparent);
+  font-size: 0.62rem;
+  font-weight: 800;
+  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
+  text-transform: uppercase;
+}
+
+.filter-decision-grid strong {
+  font-size: 0.72rem;
+  overflow-wrap: anywhere;
+}
+
+.filter-trace {
+  display: grid;
+  gap: 0.5rem;
+  margin: 0;
+  padding: 0;
+  list-style: none;
+}
+
+.filter-trace li {
+  display: grid;
+  gap: 0.18rem;
+  margin: 0;
+  padding: 0.58rem 0.65rem;
+  border-left: 0.22rem solid var(--filter-border-strong);
+  border-radius: 0.28rem;
+  background: var(--filter-soft);
+  font-size: 0.72rem;
+  line-height: 1.42;
+}
+
+.filter-trace li strong {
+  font-size: 0.7rem;
+  text-transform: uppercase;
+}
+
+.filter-trace-match {
+  border-left-color: #2e7d32 !important;
+}
+
+.filter-trace-shadow {
+  border-left-color: var(--filter-warning) !important;
+}
+
+.filter-trace-miss,
+.filter-trace-disabled,
+.filter-trace-stopped {
+  opacity: 0.72;
+}
+
+.filter-explain-results {
+  margin-top: 1rem;
+  padding-top: 0.75rem;
+  border-top: 1px solid var(--filter-border);
+}
+
+.filter-explain-results h3 {
+  margin-top: 0;
+}
+
+.filter-explain-results ol {
+  display: grid;
+  gap: 0.75rem;
+  margin: 0;
+  padding-left: 1.4rem;
+}
+
+.filter-explain-results li {
+  padding-left: 0.2rem;
+}
+
+.filter-explain-results p {
+  margin: 0.45rem 0 0;
+  font-size: 0.76rem;
+  line-height: 1.48;
+}
+
+.filter-export-tabs {
+  display: flex;
+  flex-wrap: wrap;
+  gap: 0.4rem;
+  margin: 0.85rem 0;
+  padding-bottom: 0.65rem;
+  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--filter-border);
+}
+
+.filter-export-tabs button[aria-selected="true"] {
+  border-color: var(--md-primary-fg-color);
+  color: var(--md-primary-bg-color);
+  background: var(--md-primary-fg-color);
+}
+
+@media (max-width: 62rem) {
+  .filter-primer-tables {
+    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
+  }
+
+  .filter-tool-grid {
+    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
+  }
+
+  .filter-tool-grid .filter-panel + .filter-panel {
+    margin-top: 0;
+  }
+}
+
+@media (max-width: 44rem) {
+  .filter-panel {
+    padding: 0.75rem;
+  }
+
+  .filter-form-grid {
+    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
+  }
+
+  .filter-panel-heading,
+  .filter-packet-reader-heading,
+  .filter-rule-card-header {
+    align-items: stretch;
+    flex-direction: column;
+  }
+
+  .filter-packet-reader-heading > span {
+    align-self: flex-start;
+  }
+
+  .filter-packet-fields {
+    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
+  }
+
+  .filter-rule-meta {
+    text-align: left;
+  }
+
+  .filter-tool-toolbar button,
+  .filter-builder-actions button {
+    flex: 1 1 auto;
+  }
+}
@@ -0,0 +1,243 @@
+.telemetry-tool {
+  --telemetry-border: color-mix(in srgb, var(--md-default-fg-color) 18%, transparent);
+  --telemetry-soft-bg: color-mix(in srgb, var(--md-default-fg-color) 5%, transparent);
+  --telemetry-accent-bg: color-mix(in srgb, var(--md-primary-fg-color) 12%, transparent);
+  margin: 1.5rem 0;
+  padding: 1rem;
+  border: 1px solid var(--telemetry-border);
+  border-radius: 0.65rem;
+  background: var(--md-default-bg-color);
+  box-shadow: 0 0.15rem 0.6rem color-mix(in srgb, #000 10%, transparent);
+}
+
+.telemetry-tool [hidden] {
+  display: none !important;
+}
+
+.telemetry-tool label {
+  display: block;
+  margin-bottom: 0.35rem;
+  font-weight: 700;
+}
+
+.telemetry-tool textarea {
+  display: block;
+  width: 100%;
+  min-height: 8rem;
+  box-sizing: border-box;
+  resize: vertical;
+  padding: 0.8rem;
+  border: 1px solid var(--telemetry-border);
+  border-radius: 0.4rem;
+  color: var(--md-code-fg-color);
+  background: var(--md-code-bg-color);
+  font: 0.82rem/1.55 var(--md-code-font-family);
+  overflow-wrap: anywhere;
+}
+
+.telemetry-tool textarea:focus-visible,
+.telemetry-tool button:focus-visible,
+.telemetry-tool input:focus-visible {
+  outline: 0.15rem solid var(--md-accent-fg-color);
+  outline-offset: 0.12rem;
+}
+
+.telemetry-tool-help {
+  margin: 0.4rem 0 0;
+  color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--md-default-fg-color) 70%, transparent);
+  font-size: 0.82rem;
+}
+
+.telemetry-actions,
+.telemetry-examples {
+  display: flex;
+  flex-wrap: wrap;
+  gap: 0.55rem;
+  align-items: center;
+  margin-top: 0.8rem;
+}
+
+.telemetry-tool button {
+  appearance: none;
+  min-height: 2.25rem;
+  padding: 0.42rem 0.75rem;
+  border: 1px solid var(--telemetry-border);
+  border-radius: 0.35rem;
+  color: var(--md-default-fg-color);
+  background: var(--telemetry-soft-bg);
+  font: inherit;
+  font-weight: 700;
+  cursor: pointer;
+}
+
+.telemetry-tool button:hover {
+  border-color: var(--md-primary-fg-color);
+  background: var(--telemetry-accent-bg);
+}
+
+.telemetry-tool .telemetry-primary-action {
+  border-color: var(--md-primary-fg-color);
+  color: var(--md-primary-bg-color);
+  background: var(--md-primary-fg-color);
+}
+
+.telemetry-tool .telemetry-primary-action:hover {
+  filter: brightness(1.12);
+  background: var(--md-primary-fg-color);
+}
+
+.telemetry-local-time {
+  display: inline-flex !important;
+  gap: 0.4rem;
+  align-items: center;
+  margin: 0 0 0 auto !important;
+  font-size: 0.82rem;
+  font-weight: 500 !important;
+}
+
+.telemetry-local-time input {
+  width: 1rem;
+  height: 1rem;
+  margin: 0;
+}
+
+.telemetry-error,
+.telemetry-warnings {
+  margin-top: 1rem;
+  padding: 0.75rem 0.9rem;
+  border-left: 0.25rem solid;
+  border-radius: 0.25rem;
+}
+
+.telemetry-error {
+  border-color: #d32f2f;
+  color: color-mix(in srgb, #d32f2f 82%, var(--md-default-fg-color));
+  background: color-mix(in srgb, #d32f2f 10%, transparent);
+}
+
+.telemetry-warnings {
+  border-color: #ed9b00;
+  background: color-mix(in srgb, #ed9b00 11%, transparent);
+}
+
+.telemetry-warnings strong {
+  display: block;
+  margin-bottom: 0.25rem;
+}
+
+.telemetry-warnings ul {
+  margin: 0.25rem 0 0 1rem;
+}
+
+.telemetry-results {
+  margin-top: 1.35rem;
+  padding-top: 0.25rem;
+  border-top: 1px solid var(--telemetry-border);
+}
+
+.telemetry-results-header {
+  display: flex;
+  flex-wrap: wrap;
+  gap: 0.75rem;
+  align-items: center;
+  justify-content: space-between;
+}
+
+.telemetry-results-header h2 {
+  margin: 0.8rem 0 0 !important;
+}
+
+.telemetry-summary {
+  display: grid;
+  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(10rem, 1fr));
+  gap: 0.65rem;
+  margin: 1rem 0;
+}
+
+.telemetry-summary > div {
+  min-width: 0;
+  padding: 0.65rem 0.75rem;
+  border: 1px solid var(--telemetry-border);
+  border-radius: 0.4rem;
+  background: var(--telemetry-soft-bg);
+}
+
+.telemetry-summary dt {
+  color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--md-default-fg-color) 70%, transparent);
+  font-size: 0.72rem;
+  font-weight: 700;
+  letter-spacing: 0.025em;
+  text-transform: uppercase;
+}
+
+.telemetry-summary dd {
+  margin: 0.2rem 0 0;
+  overflow-wrap: anywhere;
+  font-size: 0.88rem;
+  font-weight: 600;
+}
+
+.telemetry-table-wrap {
+  max-height: 35rem;
+  overflow: auto;
+  border: 1px solid var(--telemetry-border);
+  border-radius: 0.4rem;
+}
+
+.telemetry-tool .telemetry-table {
+  display: table;
+  width: 100%;
+  margin: 0;
+  border-collapse: collapse;
+  white-space: nowrap;
+  font-variant-numeric: tabular-nums;
+}
+
+.telemetry-tool .telemetry-table th,
+.telemetry-tool .telemetry-table td {
+  padding: 0.5rem 0.65rem;
+  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--telemetry-border);
+  text-align: left;
+}
+
+.telemetry-tool .telemetry-table th {
+  position: sticky;
+  top: 0;
+  z-index: 1;
+  color: var(--md-default-fg-color);
+  background: var(--md-default-bg-color);
+}
+
+.telemetry-tool .telemetry-table tbody tr:last-child td {
+  border-bottom: 0;
+}
+
+.telemetry-tool .telemetry-table tbody tr:nth-child(even) {
+  background: var(--telemetry-soft-bg);
+}
+
+.telemetry-tool .telemetry-row-muted td {
+  color: color-mix(in srgb, var(--md-default-fg-color) 55%, transparent);
+}
+
+.telemetry-example-replies code {
+  display: block;
+  overflow-wrap: anywhere;
+  word-break: break-all;
+  white-space: normal;
+}
+
+@media (max-width: 44rem) {
+  .telemetry-tool {
+    padding: 0.75rem;
+  }
+
+  .telemetry-local-time {
+    width: 100%;
+    margin-left: 0 !important;
+  }
+
+  .telemetry-tool button {
+    flex: 1 1 auto;
+  }
+}
@@ -0,0 +1,106 @@
+# CLI Availability by Firmware Build
+
+MeshCore command availability is determined in three layers:
+
+1. **Role** - repeater, room server, sensor, companion, bridge, or KISS modem.
+2. **Build profile** - standard, logging, OTA, or FULL.
+3. **Compiled hardware features** - WiFi, MQTT, GPS, external sensors, PSRAM,
+   Ethernet, and similar optional support.
+
+The complete command descriptions are in [CLI Commands](cli_commands.md). This
+page describes the commands intentionally omitted or limited by build profile.
+The [CLI Command Availability Matrix](cli_command_availability.md) expands this
+summary into separate nRF52 and ESP32 command tables.
+
+## Role comes first
+
+| Role | Text administration CLI |
+|---|---|
+| Repeater | Full repeater administration surface, subject to the profile differences below |
+| Room server | Room-server administration surface, subject to the profile differences below |
+| Sensor | Sensor command surface; it does not acquire the repeater administration tree |
+| Serial, USB, BLE, or WiFi companion | Uses the companion protocol; any serial diagnostics are target-specific |
+| KISS modem | Uses the KISS/TNC frame interface, not the repeater text CLI |
+| Bridge | Uses its base role plus commands for the bridge transport compiled into that target |
+
+A command belonging to a different role is not considered a profile cut. For
+example, adding FULL features to a sensor does not turn it into a repeater
+administrator.
+
+Repeater profiles use 254 neighbor entries across supported platforms. The
+classic T-Beam SX1262 and SX1276 MQTT observer repeaters are the exception and
+retain 50 because their MQTT discovery tables are constrained by internal DRAM.
+
+## Profile matrix
+
+| Build/profile | Command availability |
+|---|---|
+| Standard non-MQTT repeater or room server | Keeps the normal role CLI. Size-constrained ESP32 artifacts can omit WebConfig and browser WiFi OTA, so their WebConfig/WiFi commands are unavailable. |
+| Standard logging | Logging does not remove commands by itself. It has the same CLI as the selected role/profile, adds the compiled logging behavior, and provides session-only `get/set usb.logging` control. |
+| LoRa-OTA (`-ota-`) | LoRa OTA adds the `ota ...` commands; it does not otherwise reduce the role CLI. ESP32 `no_external_sensors` artifacts retain the compact browser WiFi uploader, the complete CLI, and a 254-entry neighbor table. |
+| ESP32 MQTT observer or ESP-NOW bridge | Always uses the expanded FULL partition profile. The build never substitutes a reduced CLI to fit the legacy application slot. |
+| FULL ESP32 | Uses the matching MQTT target with logging off and keeps the complete command surface supported by that role and hardware. |
+| FULL ESP32 logging | Uses the matching non-MQTT target with debug and packet logging enabled, session-only `get/set usb.logging` control, and the complete command surface supported by that role and hardware. |
+| `no_external_sensors` | Removes optional external-sensor drivers and their settings; it does not remove core repeater discovery or routing commands. |
+
+`logging`, `OTA`, and `FULL` describe independent build features. Do not infer
+that a command is missing merely because `logging` appears in the filename.
+
+## Complete CLI policy
+
+The compact ESP32 CLI has been removed. MQTT observers and ESP-NOW bridges are
+automatically promoted to FULL builds with expanded partitions rather than
+dropping administration commands. This keeps `tempradio`, LoRa OTA, power
+saving, RXPS, logging, statistics, sensor, ACL, routing, and advanced radio
+commands whenever the role and compiled hardware support them.
+
+Some commands still have hardware or feature limits. MQTT neighbor-table
+publishing and `discover.scopes` require the compiled `WITH_MQTT_NEIGHBORS`
+feature. PSRAM boards enable it automatically, and selected non-PSRAM variants
+opt in with `MQTT_NEIGHBORS_WITHOUT_PSRAM`. `discover.neighbors` does not
+require MQTT or PSRAM.
+
+## Discovery invariant
+
+`discover.neighbors` sends the zero-hop node-discovery request used to refresh
+the repeater neighbor table. It is available in every repeater build profile,
+including standard, logging, OTA, FULL, and FULL logging builds.
+
+The exact command is:
+
+```text
+discover.neighbors
+```
+
+It accepts no options and returns:
+
+```text
+OK - Discover sent
+```
+
+Some MQTT room-server targets also expose the command as part of their compiled
+neighbor-table feature. It is not a cross-role guarantee: companion, KISS,
+sensor, and ordinary room-server firmware use different interfaces or do not
+maintain the repeater administrator neighbor table.
+
+## Feature-dependent commands
+
+Even in a FULL build, a command can be unavailable when its underlying feature
+does not exist on that target:
+
+- WebConfig and the `wifi.ssid`, `wifi.status`, `wifi.powersave`, and `wifi.cli` command
+  family require an ESP32 WebConfig build. FULL standalone repeater and
+  room-server builds support the corresponding WiFi setters and status
+  commands. ESP32 WiFi Companion exposes `wifi.powersave` in its WebConfig
+  form and binary protocol; Full Companion also exposes the text getter and
+  setter on its USB terminal and TCP port 5002.
+- MQTT commands require an MQTT observer target.
+- `discover.scopes` requires an MQTT observer with compiled neighbor support;
+  it does not independently require PSRAM or the FULL parser.
+- GPS and external-sensor commands require their drivers and pins.
+- Ethernet and bridge commands require the corresponding transport.
+- LoRa OTA commands require an artifact with OTA enabled.
+- `uf2reset` applies only to nRF52.
+
+When diagnosing an unavailable command, check the role first, then the filename
+profile, and finally the target's compiled hardware features.
@@ -0,0 +1,429 @@
+# CLI Command Availability Matrix
+
+This page is the command-by-command companion to
+[CLI Availability by Firmware Build](cli_build_matrix.md). Each command name
+links to its detailed documentation.
+
+The tables cover the text administration CLI used by repeater, room-server,
+sensor, and bridge firmware. Companion firmware uses the companion protocol,
+KISS firmware uses framed KISS/TNC commands, and terminal-chat firmware has its
+own interface, so those build roles are not represented here.
+
+Build columns mean:
+
+- **Standard** - the ordinary non-MQTT artifact, without the `logging` or
+  explicit `ota` filename marker.
+- **Logging** - the ordinary non-MQTT `-logging-` artifact. Logging does not
+  remove commands by itself.
+- **LoRa OTA** - the explicit `-ota-` repeater or repeater-bridge artifact. Its
+  optional external-sensor drivers are removed, but onboard GPS is retained.
+- **FULL** - the expanded-partition ESP32 artifact with LoRa OTA and the
+  complete parser. MQTT observers and ESP-NOW bridges always use this profile.
+- **FULL logging** - the expanded-partition ESP32 non-MQTT artifact with
+  logging, LoRa OTA, and the complete parser.
+
+Cell values mean:
+
+- **Yes** - the parser includes the command. The Scope column still applies.
+- **No** - the profile does not expose the command.
+- **Feature** - available only when the target compiles the feature or hardware
+  named in Scope.
+- **Serial** - available only from the local serial console.
+- **Manifest** - available only when the MQTT target defines
+  `OTA_MANIFEST_BASE`.
+- **Limited** - the family exists, but the limitation in Scope applies.
+
+Runtime state can still make an included command fail. Examples include no GPS
+fix, no WiFi connection, an inactive bridge, or an nRF52 bootloader without
+`.mota` apply support.
+
+## nRF52
+
+| Area | Command | Scope | Standard | Logging | LoRa OTA |
+|---|---|---|---|---|---|
+| Operational | [`reboot`](cli_commands.md#reboot-the-node) | All text CLI roles | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Operational | [`poweroff`; `shutdown`](cli_commands.md#power-off-the-node) | Board power-off support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Operational | [`uf2reset`](cli_commands.md#enter-the-uf2-bootloader-nrf52-only) | Local serial; supported UF2 boards | Serial | Serial | Serial |
+| Operational | [`clkreboot`](cli_commands.md#reset-the-clock-and-reboot) | All text CLI roles | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Operational | [`clock sync`](cli_commands.md#sync-the-clock-with-the-remote-device) | All text CLI roles | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Operational | [`clock`](cli_commands.md#display-current-time-in-utc) | All text CLI roles | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Operational | [`time <epoch_seconds>`](cli_commands.md#set-the-time-to-a-specific-timestamp) | Clock only moves forward | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Operational | [`advert`](cli_commands.md#send-a-flood-advert) | Advert-capable role | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Operational | [`advert.zerohop`](cli_commands.md#send-a-zero-hop-advert) | Advert-capable role | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Operational | [`erase`](cli_commands.md#erasefactory-reset) | Local serial | Serial | Serial | Serial |
+| Information | [`ver`](cli_commands.md#get-the-version) | All text CLI roles | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Information | [`board`](cli_commands.md#show-the-hardware-name) | All text CLI roles | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Diagnostics | [`memory`](#memory) | ESP32 only | No | No | No |
+| Diagnostics | [`sensor`](#sensor-hardware-summary) | Hardware wiring summary | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Diagnostics | [`powerlog`](#powerlog) | Reset, shutdown, and boot-voltage summary | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Neighbors | [`neighbors`](cli_commands.md#list-nearby-neighbors) | Role with a neighbor table | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Neighbors | [`neighbor.remove <pubkey_prefix>`](cli_commands.md#remove-a-neighbor) | Role with a mutable neighbor table | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Neighbors | [`discover.neighbors`](cli_commands.md#discover-zero-hop-neighbors) | Repeater; some MQTT room servers | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Neighbors | [`discover.scopes`](cli_commands.md#discover-neighbor-scopes-mqtt-observer-neighbors-feature) | MQTT observer with compiled neighbor support | No | No | No |
+| Statistics | [`clear stats`](cli_commands.md#clear-stats) | All full-parser text CLI roles | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Statistics | [`stats-core`](cli_commands.md#stats-core) | Local serial | Serial | Serial | Serial |
+| Statistics | [`stats-radio`](cli_commands.md#stats-radio) | Local serial | Serial | Serial | Serial |
+| Statistics | [`stats-radio-diag`](#stats-radio-diag) | Local serial | Serial | Serial | Serial |
+| Statistics | [`stats-packets`](cli_commands.md#stats-packets) | Local serial | Serial | Serial | Serial |
+| Statistics | [`get telemetry.temp/volt`; optional GPS history; `get/set telemetry.tx`](cli_commands.md#read-repeater-telemetry-history) | Non-STM32 repeater; GPS commands require a GPS provider; remote access requires administrator | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Logging | [`log start`; `log stop`; `log erase`](cli_commands.md#logging) | Storage-backed roles retain data; other roles can return empty data | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Logging | [`log`](cli_commands.md#print-the-captured-log-to-the-serial-terminal) | Local serial | Serial | Serial | Serial |
+| Logging | [`get/set usb.logging`](cli_commands.md#control-live-usb-logging) | Logging artifacts; session-only live USB output gate | No | Yes | No |
+| Radio | [`get radio`; `set radio ...`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-radio-parameters) | All text CLI roles | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Radio | [`get tx`; `set tx <dbm>`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-transmit-power) | Board TX-power limits apply | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Radio | [`tempradio ...`; `normalradio`](cli_commands.md#change-the-radio-parameters-for-a-set-duration) | Full parser | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Radio | [`get/set/del radioat`; `get/set/del tempradioat`](cli_commands.md#schedule-radio-parameter-changes) | Full parser | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Radio | [`get freq`; `set freq <mhz>`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-frequency) | `set` is local serial only | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Radio | [`get/set radio.rxgain`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-rx-boosted-gain-mode-sx12xx-and-lr1110-v1141) | Supported radio | Feature | Feature | Feature |
+| Radio | [`get/set radio.fem.rxgain`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-lora-fem-receive-path-gain-state-on-supported-boards) | Controllable LoRa FEM | Feature | Feature | Feature |
+| Radio | [`get/set radio.fem.txgain`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-lora-fem-transmit-path-gain-state-on-supported-boards) | Controllable LoRa FEM | Feature | Feature | Feature |
+| Radio | [`get/set radio.rxps`; `get rxps.wd`](#radio-rxps) | RX power-saving support | Feature | Feature | Feature |
+| System | [`get/set name`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-name) | All text CLI roles | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| System | [`get/set lat`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-latitude) | All text CLI roles | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| System | [`get/set lon`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-longitude) | All text CLI roles | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| System | [`get/set prv.key`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-identity-private-key) | `get` is local serial only | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| System | [`password <new_password>`](cli_commands.md#change-this-nodes-admin-password) | Administrator | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| System | [`get/set guest.password`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-guest-password) | Role with guest administration | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| System | [`get/set owner.info`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-owner-info) | All text CLI roles | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| System | [`get/set adc.multiplier`](cli_commands.md#fine-tune-the-battery-reading) | Board ADC override support | Feature | Feature | Feature |
+| System | [`send text.flood <message>`](cli_commands.md#send-a-repeater-flood-text) | Repeater | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| System | [`get/set battery.alert`; `get battery.alert.region`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-battery-alert-state) | Repeater | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| System | [`get/set battery.alert.low`; `get/set battery.alert.critical`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-battery-alert-thresholds) | Repeater | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| System | [`get/set rx.watchdog`](cli_commands.md#enable-or-disable-the-rx-inactivity-watchdog-repeater-only) | Repeater | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| System | [`get/set system.watchdog`](cli_commands.md#enable-or-disable-the-nrf52-system-watchdog) | nRF52 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| System | [`get public.key`](cli_commands.md#view-this-nodes-public-key) | All text CLI roles | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| System | [`get role`](cli_commands.md#view-this-nodes-configured-role) | All text CLI roles | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| System | [`powersaving`; `powersaving on/off`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-power-saving-flag) | Supported repeater board | Feature | Feature | Feature |
+| System | [`get/set reboot.interval`](#reboot-interval) | Full parser | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Clock sync | [`get/set clock.sync.*`; `clock.sync.mesh now`](cli_commands.md#estimate-and-correct-infrastructure-node-time-after-startup) | Repeater, sensor, and room server; `clock.sync.internet` needs MQTT repeater | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set repeat`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-repeat-flag) | Forwarding-capable role | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set path.hash.mode`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-advert-path-hash-size) | Role that supports path-hash selection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set loop.detect`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-loop-detection) | Repeater | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set txdelay`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-retransmit-delay-factor-for-flood-traffic) | All text CLI roles, including bridges | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set direct.txdelay`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-retransmit-delay-factor-for-direct-traffic) | Full parser | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set rxdelay`](cli_commands.md#experimental-view-or-change-the-processing-delay-for-received-traffic) | All text CLI roles, including bridges | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set dutycycle`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-duty-cycle-limit) | Full parser | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set af`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-airtime-factor-duty-cycle-limit) | Full parser | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set int.thresh`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-local-interference-threshold) | All text CLI roles | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set cad`](cli_commands.md#enable-or-disable-hardware-channel-activity-detection-cad) | Radio CAD support | Feature | Feature | Feature |
+| Routing | [`get/set agc.reset.interval`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-agc-reset-interval) | All text CLI roles | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set radio.watchdog`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-radio-watchdog-interval-mqtt-observer-only) | MQTT observer | No | No | No |
+| Routing | [`get/set multi.acks`](cli_commands.md#enable-or-disable-multi-acks-support) | Full parser | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set flood.advert.interval`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-flood-advert-interval) | Repeater | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set advert.interval`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-zero-hop-advert-interval) | Advert-capable role | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set flood.max`](cli_commands.md#limit-the-number-of-hops-for-a-flood-message) | Repeater | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set flood.max.unscoped`](cli_commands.md#limit-the-number-of-hops-for-an-unscoped-flood-message) | Repeater | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set flood.max.advert`](cli_commands.md#limit-the-number-of-hops-for-an-advert-flood-message) | Repeater | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set flood.channel.data`; `get/set flood.channel.data.hops`](cli_commands.md#forward-flood-group-data-packets-on-repeaters) | Repeater | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set/del flood.channel.scope*`](cli_commands.md#force-a-transport-scope-onto-floods) | Repeater | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set/del flood.channel.scope.require*`](cli_commands.md#require-valid-incoming-scopes-only-on-selected-channels) | Repeater | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set/del flood.rule*`; `get/set/del flood.filter*`; `get/set/del flood.filter.blacklist*`](cli_commands.md#change-persistent-flood-rules-in-the-field) | Repeater; `flood.rule`/`flood.filter` also on FULL ESP32 room server (no blacklist) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set/del flood.moderation*`](cli_commands.md#moderate-flood-group-text-by-channel-sender-and-source-path) | Repeater | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set outpath`](halo_keymind_settings.md#direct-path-overrides) | Repeater remote-client context | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set altpath`](halo_keymind_settings.md#direct-path-overrides) | Repeater remote-client context | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| ACL | [`setperm <pubkey> <permissions>`](cli_commands.md#add-update-or-remove-permissions-for-a-companion) | Repeater, room server, or sensor | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| ACL | [`get acl`](cli_commands.md#view-the-current-acl) | Local serial | Serial | Serial | Serial |
+| ACL | [`get/set allow.read.only`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-room-servers-read-only-flag) | Room server | Yes | Yes | No |
+| Regions | [`region load`](cli_commands.md#bulk-load-region-lists); [`region save`](cli_commands.md#save-any-changes-to-regions-made-since-reboot) | Role with region storage | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Regions | [`region allowf`](cli_commands.md#allow-a-region); [`region denyf`](cli_commands.md#block-a-region) | Role with region storage | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Regions | [`region get`](cli_commands.md#show-information-for-a-region); [`region list`](cli_commands.md#view-all-regions); [`region`](cli_commands.md#dump-all-defined-regions-and-flood-permissions) | Role with region storage | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Regions | [`region home`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-home-region-for-this-node); [`region default`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-default-scope-region-for-this-node) | Role with region storage | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Regions | [`region put`](cli_commands.md#create-a-new-region); [`region def`](cli_commands.md#define-region-hierarchy-single-line); [`region remove`](cli_commands.md#remove-a-region) | Role with region storage | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Retry | [`get/set direct.retry`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-direct-retry-state); [`get/set direct.retry.heard`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-direct-retry-heard-table-gate) | Role with basic retry support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Retry | [`get/set retry.preset`](cli_commands.md#view-or-apply-a-retry-preset) | Role with retry support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Retry | [`get/set flood.retry.count`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-flood-retry-count); [`get/set flood.retry.path`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-flood-retry-path-gate); [`get/set flood.retry.group.path`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-group-data-flood-retry-path-gate) | Repeater | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Retry | [`get/set flood.retry.advert`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-flood-retry-advert-handling); [`get/set flood.retry.prefixes`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-flood-retry-target-prefixes); [`get/set flood.retry.ignore`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-flood-retry-ignored-prefixes) | Repeater | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Retry | [`get/set flood.retry.bridge`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-flood-retry-bridge-mode); [`get/set flood.retry.bucket`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-flood-retry-bridge-buckets) | Repeater bridge retry support | Feature | Feature | Feature |
+| Retry | [`get/set direct.retry.count`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-direct-retry-count); [`get/set direct.retry.base`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-direct-retry-base-delay); [`get/set direct.retry.step`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-direct-retry-step-delay) | Role with retry support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Retry | [`get/set direct.retry.margin`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-direct-retry-snr-margin); [`get/set direct.retry.cr`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-adaptive-direct-retry-coding-rate) | Role with retry support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Retry | [`get/set/clear recent.repeater`; `get recent.repeaters`](cli_commands.md#view-seed-or-clear-the-recent-repeater-table) | Repeater | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| GPS | [`gps`; `gps on/off`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-gps-state) | Compiled GPS | Feature | Feature | Feature |
+| GPS | [`gps sync`](cli_commands.md#sync-this-nodes-clock-with-gps-time) | Compiled GPS | Feature | Feature | Feature |
+| GPS | [`gps setloc`](cli_commands.md#set-this-nodes-location-based-on-the-gps-coordinates) | Compiled GPS | Feature | Feature | Feature |
+| GPS | [`gps advert [none/share/prefs]`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-gps-advert-policy) | Compiled GPS | Feature | Feature | Feature |
+| Sensors | [`get/set telemetry.access`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-telemetry-access-mode) | Sensor-capable role | Feature | Feature | Limited |
+| Sensors | [`sensor list [start]`](cli_commands.md#view-the-list-of-sensors-on-this-node) | Compiled sensor manager; OTA omits external sensors | Feature | Feature | Limited |
+| Sensors | [`sensor get`; `sensor set`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-value-of-a-sensor) | Compiled sensor setting; OTA omits external sensors | Feature | Feature | Limited |
+| Sensors | [`io [r/s/t]<hex>`](#sensor-io) | Simple sensor role with board GPIO support | Feature | Feature | No |
+| Bridge | [`get bridge.type`](cli_commands.md#view-the-compiled-bridge-type) | Compiled bridge | Feature | Feature | Feature |
+| Bridge | [`get/set bridge.enabled`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-bridge-enabled-flag) | Compiled bridge | Feature | Feature | Feature |
+| Bridge | [`get/set bridge.delay`](cli_commands.md#add-a-delay-to-packets-routed-through-this-bridge) | Compiled bridge | Feature | Feature | Feature |
+| Bridge | [`get/set bridge.source`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-source-of-packets-bridged-to-the-external-interface) | Compiled bridge | Feature | Feature | Feature |
+| Bridge | [`get/set bridge.baud`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-speed-of-the-bridge-rs-232-only) | RS-232 bridge | Feature | Feature | Feature |
+| Bridge | [`get/set bridge.channel`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-channel-used-for-bridging-espnow-only) | ESP-NOW is ESP32 only | No | No | No |
+| Bridge | [`get/set bridge.secret`](cli_commands.md#set-the-esp-now-secret) | ESP-NOW is ESP32 only | No | No | No |
+| Board | [`get bootloader.ver`](cli_commands.md#view-the-bootloader-version-nrf52-only) | nRF52 bootloader metadata | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Board | [`get pwrmgt.support`; `get pwrmgt.source`; `get pwrmgt.bootreason`; `get pwrmgt.bootmv`](nrf52_power_management.md#cli-commands) | Board power-management implementation | Feature | Feature | Feature |
+| Ethernet | [`eth.status`](cli_commands.md#view-ethernet-connection-status) | Ethernet target | Feature | Feature | No |
+| Browser OTA | [`start ota [ap]`; `stop ota`](cli_commands.md#start-or-stop-an-over-the-air-ota-firmware-update) | ESP32 browser uploader | No | No | No |
+| WebConfig | [`start webconfig [ap]`; `stop webconfig`; `get/set webui`](cli_commands.md#browser-configuration-portal-esp32-repeater-and-room-server) | ESP32 WebConfig | No | No | No |
+| WiFi | [`get/set wifi.ssid`; `set wifi.pwd`; `get wifi.status`; `get/set wifi.powersave`](https://github.com/mikecarper/MeshCore/blob/keymindCascade/MQTT_IMPLEMENTATION.md#wifi-commands) | ESP32 WiFi | No | No | No |
+| WiFi | [`get/set wifi.cli`](cli_commands.md#browser-configuration-portal-esp32-repeater-and-room-server) | ESP32 WebConfig | No | No | No |
+| LoRa OTA | [`ota help`; `ota ?`; `ota h`](ota_protocol.md#11-cli-surface-otaclicpp) | LoRa OTA build | No | No | Yes |
+| LoRa OTA | [`ota`; `ota status`; `ota st`](ota_protocol.md#11-cli-surface-otaclicpp) | LoRa OTA build | No | No | Yes |
+| LoRa OTA | [`ota stats`](ota_user_guide.md#1-see-what-im-running-and-whether-anything-is-going-on) | LoRa OTA build | No | No | Yes |
+| LoRa OTA | [`ota ls`; `ota neighbors`; `ota nbrs`; `ota updates`; `ota n`](ota_protocol.md#11-cli-surface-otaclicpp) | LoRa OTA build | No | No | Yes |
+| LoRa OTA | [`ota get`; `ota pull`; `ota download`](ota_protocol.md#11-cli-surface-otaclicpp) | LoRa OTA build; nRF52 installs in-place deltas | No | No | Yes |
+| LoRa OTA | [`ota install`; `ota apply`; `ota applydelta`](ota_protocol.md#11-cli-surface-otaclicpp) | Compatible bootloader and completed update | No | No | Yes |
+| LoRa OTA | [`ota rescue install <base_hash16>`](ota_protocol.md#12-apply-bootloader-contract) | Internal-flash nRF52 LoRa OTA build with failed app-side EndF validation | No | No | Feature |
+| LoRa OTA | [`ota cancel`; `ota drop`; `ota stop`](ota_protocol.md#11-cli-surface-otaclicpp) | LoRa OTA build | No | No | Yes |
+| LoRa OTA | [`ota announce`; `ota adv`](ota_protocol.md#11-cli-surface-otaclicpp) | LoRa OTA build | No | No | Yes |
+| LoRa OTA | [`ota self`; `ota id`](ota_protocol.md#11-cli-surface-otaclicpp) | Firmware with EndF trailer | No | No | Yes |
+| LoRa OTA | [`ota folder`; `ota fold`](ota_protocol.md#11-cli-surface-otaclicpp) | `on` needs compiled folder transport | No | No | Feature |
+| LoRa OTA | [`ota config`; `ota cfg`; `ota set`](ota_protocol.md#11-cli-surface-otaclicpp) | LoRa OTA build | No | No | Yes |
+| LoRa OTA | [`ota key`; `ota keys`](ota_protocol.md#11-cli-surface-otaclicpp) | LoRa OTA build | No | No | Yes |
+| LoRa OTA | [`ota dev ...`](ota_protocol.md#11-cli-surface-otaclicpp) | Developer diagnostics | No | No | Yes |
+| MQTT | [`get/set mqttN.preset`](https://github.com/mikecarper/MeshCore/blob/keymindCascade/MQTT_IMPLEMENTATION.md#mqtt-slot-commands) | MQTT observer | No | No | No |
+| MQTT | [`get/set mqttN.server`; `get/set mqttN.port`; `get/set mqttN.username`; `get/set mqttN.password`](https://github.com/mikecarper/MeshCore/blob/keymindCascade/MQTT_IMPLEMENTATION.md#mqtt-slot-commands) | MQTT observer | No | No | No |
+| MQTT | [`get/set mqttN.token`; `get/set mqttN.topic`; `get/set mqttN.audience`](https://github.com/mikecarper/MeshCore/blob/keymindCascade/MQTT_IMPLEMENTATION.md#mqtt-slot-commands) | MQTT observer | No | No | No |
+| MQTT | [`get mqttN.diag`](#mqtt-slot-diagnostics) | MQTT observer | No | No | No |
+| MQTT | [`get/set mqtt.origin`; `get/set mqtt.iata`; `get mqtt.presets`](https://github.com/mikecarper/MeshCore/blob/keymindCascade/MQTT_IMPLEMENTATION.md#mqtt-shared-commands) | MQTT observer | No | No | No |
+| MQTT | [`get mqtt.stats`](#mqtt-stats) | MQTT observer | No | No | No |
+| MQTT | [`get/set mqtt.status`; `get/set mqtt.packets`; `get/set mqtt.raw`; `get/set mqtt.interval`](https://github.com/mikecarper/MeshCore/blob/keymindCascade/MQTT_IMPLEMENTATION.md#mqtt-shared-commands) | MQTT observer | No | No | No |
+| MQTT | [`get/set mqtt.rx`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-mqtt-rx-packet-uplinking); [`get/set mqtt.tx`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-mqtt-tx-packet-uplinking) | MQTT observer | No | No | No |
+| MQTT | [`get/set mqtt.neighbors`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-periodic-neighbors-publishing-mqtt-observer-neighbors-feature); [`get/set mqtt.neighbors.interval`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-neighbors-publish-interval-mqtt-observer-neighbors-feature) | MQTT observer with compiled neighbor support | No | No | No |
+| MQTT | [`get/set mqtt.ntp`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-ntp-server-mqtt-observer-only) | MQTT observer | No | No | No |
+| MQTT | [`get mqtt.ntp.diag`](cli_commands.md#diagnose-ntp-server-connectivity-mqtt-observer-only) | Full MQTT observer | No | No | No |
+| MQTT | [`get/set timezone`; `get/set timezone.offset`](https://github.com/mikecarper/MeshCore/blob/keymindCascade/MQTT_IMPLEMENTATION.md#timezone-commands) | MQTT observer | No | No | No |
+| MQTT | [`get/set mqtt.analyzer.us`; `get/set mqtt.analyzer.eu`](https://github.com/mikecarper/MeshCore/blob/keymindCascade/MQTT_IMPLEMENTATION.md#migration-from-old-configuration) | Legacy MQTT aliases | No | No | No |
+| MQTT | [`get/set mqtt.owner`; `get/set mqtt.email`](https://github.com/mikecarper/MeshCore/blob/keymindCascade/MQTT_IMPLEMENTATION.md#mqtt-shared-commands) | MQTT observer; `get` is local serial only | No | No | No |
+| MQTT | [`get mqtt.config.valid`](#mqtt-config-valid) | MQTT observer | No | No | No |
+| SNMP | [`get/set snmp`; `get/set snmp.community`](https://github.com/mikecarper/MeshCore/blob/keymindCascade/MQTT_SNMP.md#cli-commands) | MQTT target compiled with SNMP | No | No | No |
+| Alerts | [`get/set alert`; `get/set alert.psk`; `get/set alert.hashtag`; `get/set alert.region`; `get/set alert.wifi`; `get/set alert.mqtt`; `get/set alert.interval`](https://github.com/mikecarper/MeshCore/blob/keymindCascade/ALERTS.md#cli) | MQTT observer | No | No | No |
+| Alerts | [`alert test [message]`](https://github.com/mikecarper/MeshCore/blob/keymindCascade/ALERTS.md#cli) | MQTT observer with configured alert channel | No | No | No |
+| TLS | [`tls.bundletest <host>`](#tls-bundle-test) | MQTT target with embedded certificate bundle | No | No | No |
+| Manifest OTA | [`ota check`](#manifest-ota) | MQTT target with `OTA_MANIFEST_BASE` | No | No | No |
+| Manifest OTA | [`ota update`](#manifest-ota) | MQTT target with `OTA_MANIFEST_BASE` | No | No | No |
+
+## ESP32
+
+| Area | Command | Scope | Standard | Logging | LoRa OTA | FULL | FULL logging |
+|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
+| Operational | [`reboot`](cli_commands.md#reboot-the-node) | All text CLI roles | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Operational | [`poweroff`; `shutdown`](cli_commands.md#power-off-the-node) | Board power-off support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Operational | [`uf2reset`](cli_commands.md#enter-the-uf2-bootloader-nrf52-only) | nRF52 only | No | No | No | No | No |
+| Operational | [`clkreboot`](cli_commands.md#reset-the-clock-and-reboot) | Full parser | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Operational | [`clock sync`](cli_commands.md#sync-the-clock-with-the-remote-device) | All text CLI roles | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Operational | [`clock`](cli_commands.md#display-current-time-in-utc) | All text CLI roles | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Operational | [`time <epoch_seconds>`](cli_commands.md#set-the-time-to-a-specific-timestamp) | Clock only moves forward | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Operational | [`advert`](cli_commands.md#send-a-flood-advert) | Advert-capable role | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Operational | [`advert.zerohop`](cli_commands.md#send-a-zero-hop-advert) | Advert-capable role | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Operational | [`erase`](cli_commands.md#erasefactory-reset) | Local serial | Serial | Serial | Serial | Serial | Serial |
+| Information | [`ver`](cli_commands.md#get-the-version) | All text CLI roles | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Information | [`board`](cli_commands.md#show-the-hardware-name) | All text CLI roles | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Diagnostics | [`memory`](#memory) | ESP32 heap and PSRAM summary | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Diagnostics | [`sensor`](#sensor-hardware-summary) | Hardware wiring summary | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Diagnostics | [`powerlog`](#powerlog) | Reset-reason summary | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Neighbors | [`neighbors`](cli_commands.md#list-nearby-neighbors) | Role with a neighbor table | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Neighbors | [`neighbor.remove <pubkey_prefix>`](cli_commands.md#remove-a-neighbor) | Role with a mutable neighbor table | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Neighbors | [`discover.neighbors`](cli_commands.md#discover-zero-hop-neighbors) | Repeater; some MQTT room servers | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Neighbors | [`discover.scopes`](cli_commands.md#discover-neighbor-scopes-mqtt-observer-neighbors-feature) | MQTT observer with compiled neighbor support | No | No | No | Feature | No |
+| Statistics | [`clear stats`](cli_commands.md#clear-stats) | Full parser | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Statistics | [`stats-core`](cli_commands.md#stats-core) | Local serial | Serial | Serial | Serial | Serial | Serial |
+| Statistics | [`stats-radio`](cli_commands.md#stats-radio) | Local serial | Serial | Serial | Serial | Serial | Serial |
+| Statistics | [`stats-radio-diag`](#stats-radio-diag) | Local serial | Serial | Serial | Serial | Serial | Serial |
+| Statistics | [`stats-packets`](cli_commands.md#stats-packets) | Local serial | Serial | Serial | Serial | Serial | Serial |
+| Statistics | [`get telemetry.temp/volt`; optional GPS history; `get/set telemetry.tx`](cli_commands.md#read-repeater-telemetry-history) | Non-STM32 repeater; GPS commands require a GPS provider; remote access requires administrator | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Logging | [`log start`; `log stop`; `log erase`](cli_commands.md#logging) | Storage-backed roles retain data | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Logging | [`log`](cli_commands.md#print-the-captured-log-to-the-serial-terminal) | Local serial | Serial | Serial | Serial | Serial | Serial |
+| Logging | [`get/set usb.logging`](cli_commands.md#control-live-usb-logging) | Logging artifacts; session-only live USB output gate | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
+| Radio | [`get radio`; `set radio ...`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-radio-parameters) | All text CLI roles | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Radio | [`get tx`; `set tx <dbm>`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-transmit-power) | Board TX-power limits apply | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Radio | [`tempradio ...`; `normalradio`](cli_commands.md#change-the-radio-parameters-for-a-set-duration) | Full parser | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Radio | [`get/set/del radioat`; `get/set/del tempradioat`](cli_commands.md#schedule-radio-parameter-changes) | Full parser | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Radio | [`get freq`; `set freq <mhz>`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-frequency) | `set` is local serial only | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Radio | [`get/set radio.rxgain`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-rx-boosted-gain-mode-sx12xx-and-lr1110-v1141) | Supported radio | Feature | Feature | Feature | Feature | Feature |
+| Radio | [`get/set radio.fem.rxgain`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-lora-fem-receive-path-gain-state-on-supported-boards) | Controllable LoRa FEM | Feature | Feature | Feature | Feature | Feature |
+| Radio | [`get/set radio.fem.txgain`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-lora-fem-transmit-path-gain-state-on-supported-boards) | Controllable LoRa FEM | Feature | Feature | Feature | Feature | Feature |
+| Radio | [`get/set radio.rxps`; `get rxps.wd`](#radio-rxps) | Full parser and RX power-saving support | Feature | Feature | Feature | Feature | Feature |
+| System | [`get/set name`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-name) | All full-parser text CLI roles | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| System | [`get/set lat`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-latitude) | All full-parser text CLI roles | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| System | [`get/set lon`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-longitude) | All full-parser text CLI roles | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| System | [`get/set prv.key`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-identity-private-key) | `get` is local serial only | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| System | [`password <new_password>`](cli_commands.md#change-this-nodes-admin-password) | Administrator | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| System | [`get/set guest.password`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-guest-password) | Role with guest administration | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| System | [`get/set owner.info`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-owner-info) | Full parser | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| System | [`get/set adc.multiplier`](cli_commands.md#fine-tune-the-battery-reading) | Board ADC override support | Feature | Feature | Feature | Feature | Feature |
+| System | [`send text.flood <message>`](cli_commands.md#send-a-repeater-flood-text) | Repeater | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| System | [`get/set battery.alert`; `get battery.alert.region`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-battery-alert-state) | Repeater | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| System | [`get/set battery.alert.low`; `get/set battery.alert.critical`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-battery-alert-thresholds) | Repeater | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| System | [`get/set rx.watchdog`](cli_commands.md#enable-or-disable-the-rx-inactivity-watchdog-repeater-only) | Repeater | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| System | [`get/set system.watchdog`](cli_commands.md#enable-or-disable-the-nrf52-system-watchdog) | nRF52 only | No | No | No | No | No |
+| System | [`get public.key`](cli_commands.md#view-this-nodes-public-key) | Full parser | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| System | [`get role`](cli_commands.md#view-this-nodes-configured-role) | All text CLI roles | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| System | [`powersaving`; `powersaving on/off`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-power-saving-flag) | Supported repeater board | Feature | Feature | Feature | Feature | Feature |
+| System | [`get/set reboot.interval`](#reboot-interval) | Full parser | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Clock sync | [`get/set clock.sync.*`; `clock.sync.mesh now`](cli_commands.md#estimate-and-correct-infrastructure-node-time-after-startup) | Repeater, sensor, and room server; `clock.sync.internet` needs MQTT repeater | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set repeat`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-repeat-flag) | Forwarding-capable role | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set path.hash.mode`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-advert-path-hash-size) | Full parser | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set loop.detect`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-nodes-loop-detection) | Repeater, full common parser | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set txdelay`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-retransmit-delay-factor-for-flood-traffic) | All text CLI roles, including bridges | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set direct.txdelay`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-retransmit-delay-factor-for-direct-traffic) | Full parser | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set rxdelay`](cli_commands.md#experimental-view-or-change-the-processing-delay-for-received-traffic) | All text CLI roles, including bridges | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set dutycycle`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-duty-cycle-limit) | Full parser | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set af`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-airtime-factor-duty-cycle-limit) | Full parser | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set int.thresh`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-local-interference-threshold) | All text CLI roles | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set cad`](cli_commands.md#enable-or-disable-hardware-channel-activity-detection-cad) | Radio CAD support | Feature | Feature | Feature | Feature | Feature |
+| Routing | [`get/set agc.reset.interval`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-agc-reset-interval) | All text CLI roles | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set radio.watchdog`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-radio-watchdog-interval-mqtt-observer-only) | MQTT observer | No | No | No | Yes | No |
+| Routing | [`get/set multi.acks`](cli_commands.md#enable-or-disable-multi-acks-support) | Full parser | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set flood.advert.interval`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-flood-advert-interval) | Repeater, full common parser | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set advert.interval`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-zero-hop-advert-interval) | Full common parser | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set flood.max`](cli_commands.md#limit-the-number-of-hops-for-a-flood-message) | Repeater, full common parser | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set flood.max.unscoped`](cli_commands.md#limit-the-number-of-hops-for-an-unscoped-flood-message) | Repeater, full common parser | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set flood.max.advert`](cli_commands.md#limit-the-number-of-hops-for-an-advert-flood-message) | Repeater, full common parser | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set flood.channel.data`; `get/set flood.channel.data.hops`](cli_commands.md#forward-flood-group-data-packets-on-repeaters) | Repeater, full common parser | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set/del flood.channel.scope*`](cli_commands.md#force-a-transport-scope-onto-floods) | Repeater role handler | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set/del flood.channel.scope.require*`](cli_commands.md#require-valid-incoming-scopes-only-on-selected-channels) | Repeater role handler | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set/del flood.rule*`; `get/set/del flood.filter*`; `get/set/del flood.filter.blacklist*`](cli_commands.md#change-persistent-flood-rules-in-the-field) | Repeater role handler; `flood.rule`/`flood.filter` also on FULL ESP32 room server (no blacklist) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set/del flood.moderation*`](cli_commands.md#moderate-flood-group-text-by-channel-sender-and-source-path) | Repeater role handler | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set outpath`](halo_keymind_settings.md#direct-path-overrides) | Repeater remote-client context | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Routing | [`get/set altpath`](halo_keymind_settings.md#direct-path-overrides) | Repeater remote-client context | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| ACL | [`setperm <pubkey> <permissions>`](cli_commands.md#add-update-or-remove-permissions-for-a-companion) | Repeater, room server, or sensor | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| ACL | [`get acl`](cli_commands.md#view-the-current-acl) | Local serial | Serial | Serial | Serial | Serial | Serial |
+| ACL | [`get/set allow.read.only`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-this-room-servers-read-only-flag) | Room server | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
+| Regions | [`region load`](cli_commands.md#bulk-load-region-lists); [`region save`](cli_commands.md#save-any-changes-to-regions-made-since-reboot) | Role with region storage | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Regions | [`region allowf`](cli_commands.md#allow-a-region); [`region denyf`](cli_commands.md#block-a-region) | Role with region storage | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Regions | [`region get`](cli_commands.md#show-information-for-a-region); [`region list`](cli_commands.md#view-all-regions); [`region`](cli_commands.md#dump-all-defined-regions-and-flood-permissions) | Role with region storage | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Regions | [`region home`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-home-region-for-this-node); [`region default`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-default-scope-region-for-this-node) | Role with region storage | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Regions | [`region put`](cli_commands.md#create-a-new-region); [`region def`](cli_commands.md#define-region-hierarchy-single-line); [`region remove`](cli_commands.md#remove-a-region) | Role with region storage | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Retry | [`get/set direct.retry`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-direct-retry-state); [`get/set direct.retry.heard`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-direct-retry-heard-table-gate) | Role with basic retry support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Retry | [`get/set retry.preset`](cli_commands.md#view-or-apply-a-retry-preset) | Role with retry support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Retry | [`get/set flood.retry.count`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-flood-retry-count); [`get/set flood.retry.path`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-flood-retry-path-gate); [`get/set flood.retry.group.path`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-group-data-flood-retry-path-gate) | Repeater | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Retry | [`get/set flood.retry.advert`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-flood-retry-advert-handling); [`get/set flood.retry.prefixes`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-flood-retry-target-prefixes); [`get/set flood.retry.ignore`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-flood-retry-ignored-prefixes) | Repeater | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Retry | [`get/set flood.retry.bridge`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-flood-retry-bridge-mode); [`get/set flood.retry.bucket`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-flood-retry-bridge-buckets) | Repeater bridge retry support | Feature | Feature | Feature | Feature | Feature |
+| Retry | [`get/set direct.retry.count`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-direct-retry-count); [`get/set direct.retry.base`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-direct-retry-base-delay); [`get/set direct.retry.step`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-direct-retry-step-delay) | Role with retry support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Retry | [`get/set direct.retry.margin`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-direct-retry-snr-margin); [`get/set direct.retry.cr`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-adaptive-direct-retry-coding-rate) | Role with retry support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| Retry | [`get/set/clear recent.repeater`; `get recent.repeaters`](cli_commands.md#view-seed-or-clear-the-recent-repeater-table) | Repeater | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| GPS | [`gps`; `gps on/off`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-gps-state) | Compiled onboard GPS | Feature | Feature | Feature | Feature | Feature |
+| GPS | [`gps sync`](cli_commands.md#sync-this-nodes-clock-with-gps-time) | Compiled onboard GPS | Feature | Feature | Feature | Feature | Feature |
+| GPS | [`gps setloc`](cli_commands.md#set-this-nodes-location-based-on-the-gps-coordinates) | Compiled onboard GPS | Feature | Feature | Feature | Feature | Feature |
+| GPS | [`gps advert [none/share/prefs]`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-gps-advert-policy) | Compiled onboard GPS | Feature | Feature | Feature | Feature | Feature |
+| Sensors | [`get/set telemetry.access`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-telemetry-access-mode) | Sensor-capable full parser | Feature | Feature | Limited | Feature | Feature |
+| Sensors | [`sensor list [start]`](cli_commands.md#view-the-list-of-sensors-on-this-node) | Compiled sensor manager; `no_external_sensors` omits optional drivers | Feature | Feature | Limited | Feature | Feature |
+| Sensors | [`sensor get`; `sensor set`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-value-of-a-sensor) | Compiled sensor setting; `no_external_sensors` omits optional drivers | Feature | Feature | Limited | Feature | Feature |
+| Sensors | [`io [r/s/t]<hex>`](#sensor-io) | Simple sensor role with board GPIO support | Feature | Feature | No | No | Feature |
+| Bridge | [`get bridge.type`](cli_commands.md#view-the-compiled-bridge-type) | Compiled bridge | Feature | Feature | Feature | Yes | Feature |
+| Bridge | [`get/set bridge.enabled`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-bridge-enabled-flag) | Compiled bridge | Feature | Feature | Feature | Yes | Feature |
+| Bridge | [`get/set bridge.delay`](cli_commands.md#add-a-delay-to-packets-routed-through-this-bridge) | Compiled bridge | Feature | Feature | Feature | Yes | Feature |
+| Bridge | [`get/set bridge.source`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-source-of-packets-bridged-to-the-external-interface) | Compiled bridge | Feature | Feature | Feature | Yes | Feature |
+| Bridge | [`get/set bridge.baud`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-speed-of-the-bridge-rs-232-only) | RS-232 bridge | Feature | Feature | Feature | No | Feature |
+| Bridge | [`get/set bridge.channel`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-channel-used-for-bridging-espnow-only) | ESP-NOW bridge | No | No | No | Feature | Feature |
+| Bridge | [`get/set bridge.secret`](cli_commands.md#set-the-esp-now-secret) | ESP-NOW bridge | No | No | No | Feature | Feature |
+| Board | [`get bootloader.ver`](cli_commands.md#view-the-bootloader-version-nrf52-only) | nRF52 only | No | No | No | No | No |
+| Board | [`get pwrmgt.support`; `get pwrmgt.source`; `get pwrmgt.bootreason`; `get pwrmgt.bootmv`](nrf52_power_management.md#cli-commands) | nRF52 only | No | No | No | No | No |
+| Ethernet | [`eth.status`](cli_commands.md#view-ethernet-connection-status) | Ethernet target | Feature | Feature | No | No | Feature |
+| Browser OTA | [`start ota [ap]`; `stop ota`](cli_commands.md#start-or-stop-an-over-the-air-ota-firmware-update) | Compiled browser uploader | No | No | Yes | Feature | Feature |
+| WebConfig | [`start webconfig [ap]`; `stop webconfig`; `get/set webui`](cli_commands.md#browser-configuration-portal-esp32-repeater-and-room-server) | Compiled WebConfig | No | No | No | Feature | Feature |
+| WiFi | [`get/set wifi.ssid`; `set wifi.pwd`; `get wifi.status`; `get/set wifi.powersave`](https://github.com/mikecarper/MeshCore/blob/keymindCascade/MQTT_IMPLEMENTATION.md#wifi-commands) | MQTT WiFi, or standalone FULL WebConfig; standalone has no `get wifi.pwd` | No | No | No | Yes | Feature |
+| WiFi | [`get/set wifi.cli`](cli_commands.md#browser-configuration-portal-esp32-repeater-and-room-server) | Compiled WebConfig | No | No | No | Feature | Feature |
+| LoRa OTA | [`ota help`; `ota ?`; `ota h`](ota_protocol.md#11-cli-surface-otaclicpp) | LoRa OTA build | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| LoRa OTA | [`ota`; `ota status`; `ota st`](ota_protocol.md#11-cli-surface-otaclicpp) | LoRa OTA build | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| LoRa OTA | [`ota stats`](ota_user_guide.md#1-see-what-im-running-and-whether-anything-is-going-on) | LoRa OTA build | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| LoRa OTA | [`ota ls`; `ota neighbors`; `ota nbrs`; `ota updates`; `ota n`](ota_protocol.md#11-cli-surface-otaclicpp) | LoRa OTA build | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| LoRa OTA | [`ota get`; `ota pull`; `ota download`](ota_protocol.md#11-cli-surface-otaclicpp) | LoRa OTA build | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| LoRa OTA | [`ota install`; `ota apply`; `ota applydelta`](ota_protocol.md#11-cli-surface-otaclicpp) | Compatible completed update | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| LoRa OTA | [`ota rescue install <base_hash16>`](ota_protocol.md#12-apply-bootloader-contract) | Internal-flash nRF52 LoRa OTA build with failed app-side EndF validation | No | No | Feature | No | No |
+| LoRa OTA | [`ota cancel`; `ota drop`; `ota stop`](ota_protocol.md#11-cli-surface-otaclicpp) | LoRa OTA build | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| LoRa OTA | [`ota announce`; `ota adv`](ota_protocol.md#11-cli-surface-otaclicpp) | LoRa OTA build | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| LoRa OTA | [`ota self`; `ota id`](ota_protocol.md#11-cli-surface-otaclicpp) | Firmware with EndF trailer | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| LoRa OTA | [`ota folder`; `ota fold`](ota_protocol.md#11-cli-surface-otaclicpp) | `on` needs compiled serial or TCP folder transport | No | No | Feature | Feature | Feature |
+| LoRa OTA | [`ota config`; `ota cfg`; `ota set`](ota_protocol.md#11-cli-surface-otaclicpp) | LoRa OTA build | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| LoRa OTA | [`ota key`; `ota keys`](ota_protocol.md#11-cli-surface-otaclicpp) | LoRa OTA build | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| LoRa OTA | [`ota dev ...`](ota_protocol.md#11-cli-surface-otaclicpp) | Developer diagnostics | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+| MQTT | [`get/set mqttN.preset`](https://github.com/mikecarper/MeshCore/blob/keymindCascade/MQTT_IMPLEMENTATION.md#mqtt-slot-commands) | MQTT observer | No | No | No | Yes | No |
+| MQTT | [`get/set mqttN.server`; `get/set mqttN.port`; `get/set mqttN.username`; `get/set mqttN.password`](https://github.com/mikecarper/MeshCore/blob/keymindCascade/MQTT_IMPLEMENTATION.md#mqtt-slot-commands) | MQTT observer | No | No | No | Yes | No |
+| MQTT | [`get/set mqttN.token`; `get/set mqttN.topic`; `get/set mqttN.audience`](https://github.com/mikecarper/MeshCore/blob/keymindCascade/MQTT_IMPLEMENTATION.md#mqtt-slot-commands) | MQTT observer | No | No | No | Yes | No |
+| MQTT | [`get mqttN.diag`](#mqtt-slot-diagnostics) | MQTT observer | No | No | No | Yes | No |
+| MQTT | [`get/set mqtt.origin`; `get/set mqtt.iata`; `get mqtt.presets`](https://github.com/mikecarper/MeshCore/blob/keymindCascade/MQTT_IMPLEMENTATION.md#mqtt-shared-commands) | MQTT observer | No | No | No | Yes | No |
+| MQTT | [`get mqtt.stats`](#mqtt-stats) | MQTT observer | No | No | No | Yes | No |
+| MQTT | [`get/set mqtt.status`; `get/set mqtt.packets`; `get/set mqtt.raw`; `get/set mqtt.interval`](https://github.com/mikecarper/MeshCore/blob/keymindCascade/MQTT_IMPLEMENTATION.md#mqtt-shared-commands) | MQTT observer | No | No | No | Yes | No |
+| MQTT | [`get/set mqtt.rx`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-mqtt-rx-packet-uplinking); [`get/set mqtt.tx`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-mqtt-tx-packet-uplinking) | MQTT observer | No | No | No | Yes | No |
+| MQTT | [`get/set mqtt.neighbors`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-periodic-neighbors-publishing-mqtt-observer-neighbors-feature); [`get/set mqtt.neighbors.interval`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-neighbors-publish-interval-mqtt-observer-neighbors-feature) | MQTT observer with compiled neighbor support | No | No | No | Feature | No |
+| MQTT | [`get/set mqtt.ntp`](cli_commands.md#view-or-change-the-ntp-server-mqtt-observer-only) | MQTT observer | No | No | No | Yes | No |
+| MQTT | [`get mqtt.ntp.diag`](cli_commands.md#diagnose-ntp-server-connectivity-mqtt-observer-only) | MQTT observer | No | No | No | Yes | No |
+| MQTT | [`get/set timezone`; `get/set timezone.offset`](https://github.com/mikecarper/MeshCore/blob/keymindCascade/MQTT_IMPLEMENTATION.md#timezone-commands) | MQTT observer | No | No | No | Yes | No |
+| MQTT | [`get/set mqtt.analyzer.us`; `get/set mqtt.analyzer.eu`](https://github.com/mikecarper/MeshCore/blob/keymindCascade/MQTT_IMPLEMENTATION.md#migration-from-old-configuration) | Legacy MQTT aliases | No | No | No | Yes | No |
+| MQTT | [`get/set mqtt.owner`; `get/set mqtt.email`](https://github.com/mikecarper/MeshCore/blob/keymindCascade/MQTT_IMPLEMENTATION.md#mqtt-shared-commands) | MQTT observer; `get` is local serial only | No | No | No | Yes | No |
+| MQTT | [`get mqtt.config.valid`](#mqtt-config-valid) | MQTT observer | No | No | No | Yes | No |
+| SNMP | [`get/set snmp`; `get/set snmp.community`](https://github.com/mikecarper/MeshCore/blob/keymindCascade/MQTT_SNMP.md#cli-commands) | MQTT target compiled with SNMP | No | No | No | Feature | No |
+| Alerts | [`get/set alert`; `get/set alert.psk`; `get/set alert.hashtag`; `get/set alert.region`; `get/set alert.wifi`; `get/set alert.mqtt`; `get/set alert.interval`](https://github.com/mikecarper/MeshCore/blob/keymindCascade/ALERTS.md#cli) | MQTT observer | No | No | No | Yes | No |
+| Alerts | [`alert test [message]`](https://github.com/mikecarper/MeshCore/blob/keymindCascade/ALERTS.md#cli) | MQTT observer with configured alert channel | No | No | No | Yes | No |
+| TLS | [`tls.bundletest <host>`](#tls-bundle-test) | MQTT target with embedded certificate bundle | No | No | No | Feature | No |
+| Manifest OTA | [`ota check`](#manifest-ota) | MQTT target with `OTA_MANIFEST_BASE` | No | No | No | Manifest | No |
+| Manifest OTA | [`ota update`](#manifest-ota) | MQTT target with `OTA_MANIFEST_BASE` | No | No | No | Manifest | No |
+
+## Supplemental command notes
+
+These short entries cover implemented commands that do not yet have their own
+section in the primary command reference.
+
+### `memory`
+
+ESP32 only. Prints free heap, minimum heap, largest allocation, queue depth,
+internal heap, and PSRAM totals.
+
+### `sensor` hardware summary
+
+Prints the configured I2C pins and GPS serial pins. This is a wiring/build
+diagnostic, distinct from `sensor list`, `sensor get`, and `sensor set`.
+
+### `powerlog`
+
+Prints the last reset reason. nRF52 also prints the captured shutdown reason and
+boot voltage.
+
+### `stats-radio-diag`
+
+Local-serial diagnostic that prints the extended radio diagnostic counters.
+
+<a id="radio-rxps"></a>
+### `radio.rxps` and `rxps.wd`
+
+`get radio.rxps` reports RX power-saving state and timing.
+`set radio.rxps ...` changes that configuration. `get rxps.wd` reports the soft
+and hard RX power-saving watchdog counters.
+
+<a id="reboot-interval"></a>
+### `reboot.interval`
+
+`get reboot.interval` shows the scheduled reboot interval. Use
+`set reboot.interval <hours>` for 1-255 hours, or
+`set reboot.interval 0` to disable it.
+
+<a id="sensor-io"></a>
+### Sensor `io`
+
+The simple-sensor role exposes its board GPIO word as hexadecimal. `io` reads
+it; `io <hex>` replaces it; and `io r<hex>`, `io s<hex>`, or `io t<hex>`
+clear, set, or toggle selected bits.
+
+<a id="mqtt-slot-diagnostics"></a>
+### `get mqttN.diag`
+
+Prints the runtime diagnostic summary for MQTT slot N, including its connection
+state and failure history.
+
+<a id="mqtt-stats"></a>
+### `get mqtt.stats`
+
+Prints the MQTT bridge runtime statistics summary.
+
+<a id="mqtt-config-valid"></a>
+### `get mqtt.config.valid`
+
+Reports whether the saved MQTT configuration has the minimum values needed to
+run.
+
+<a id="tls-bundle-test"></a>
+### `tls.bundletest`
+
+`tls.bundletest <host[:port]|url>` tests the embedded TLS certificate bundle
+against a remote host without changing the MQTT configuration.
+
+<a id="manifest-ota"></a>
+### Manifest `ota check` and `ota update`
+
+On MQTT targets with `OTA_MANIFEST_BASE`, `ota check` fetches and checks the
+target manifest. `ota update` downloads and applies the compatible update
+selected by that manifest.
@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
+# Companion Offline Message Queue
+
+Companion firmware keeps received channel data, channel messages, and direct
+messages in one pending queue until a Companion client requests them with the
+sync-next-message command. This is volatile RAM, not message history in flash.
+A reboot clears it.
+
+## Default capacities
+
+| Platform or memory profile | Pending frames |
+| --- | ---: |
+| ESP32 with configured PSRAM | 512 |
+| ESP32 without PSRAM | 256 |
+| nRF52840 | 256 |
+| RP2040 | 256 |
+| STM32 | 16 |
+| Known constrained classic ESP32 target override | 128 |
+| Constrained Full ESP32 fallback | 16 |
+
+An explicit target `OFFLINE_QUEUE_SIZE` overrides the platform default. The
+Heltec V2 and TLora V2 Full Companion profiles, for example, use 16 frames so
+their combined WiFi, BLE, and LoRa mOTA image retains enough internal DRAM.
+Standard, logging, MQTT, and Cascade build overlays retain the selected target
+capacity; they do not silently shrink the queue.
+
+Each queue slot currently costs 177 bytes. A 256-frame queue reserves 45,312
+bytes, while a 512-frame queue reserves 90,624 bytes. There is no 256-frame
+protocol limit: the queue length and indexes can represent 512 or more. The
+practical limit is available RAM and the heap and stack headroom required by
+the transports and display.
+
+On ESP32 boards marked with `BOARD_HAS_PSRAM`, the queue is allocated from
+PSRAM before WiFi and BLE start. A failed 512-frame allocation retries at 256,
+then 128, and finally uses a 16-frame internal fallback. Full Companion prints
+the capacity actually allocated in its startup memory line as
+`offline_queue=<frames>`.
+
+## Full queue behavior
+
+The capacity is shared across Public, other channels, channel data, and direct
+messages. It is not a per-channel count. When the queue is full, firmware
+replaces the oldest queued channel frame so newer traffic can still arrive. If
+the full queue contains only direct messages, a new frame is dropped rather
+than deleting a direct message.
+
+Queue order is preserved. Removal uses a ring index, so delivering one pending
+message no longer copies every remaining frame; only the less-common removal
+of an old channel frame from a full queue may shift entries.
+
+Capacity is selected when firmware is compiled. There is no CLI or Companion
+protocol setting to resize it at runtime.
@@ -1,13 +1,23 @@
 # Companion Protocol

- **Last Updated**: 2026-03-08
- **Protocol Version**: Companion Firmware v1.12.0+
+- **Last Updated**: 2026-08-18
+- **Protocol Version**: 13 (`FIRMWARE_VER_CODE`)

-> NOTE: This document is still in development. Some information may be inaccurate.
+> The command and response catalogs track
+> `examples/companion_radio/MyMesh.cpp`. Applications should negotiate the
+> protocol and validate lengths because older firmware exposes a subset.

-This document provides a comprehensive guide for communicating with MeshCore devices over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).
+This document is a practical guide to MeshCore's binary companion protocol.
+The same protocol frames can be carried by the enabled BLE, USB serial, Wi-Fi,
+or Ethernet companion interface; connection details differ by build.

-It is platform-agnostic and can be used for Android, iOS, Python, JavaScript, or any other platform that supports BLE.
+On builds exposing more than one transport, delivery-required replies follow
+the interface which supplied the command. The multi-frame contact-list response
+holds that route until `END_OF_CONTACTS`; best-effort asynchronous observations
+may still be broadcast to enabled clients. Treat the device as one Companion
+session rather than as independent per-transport sessions.
+
+The examples focus on BLE, but the packet formats are transport-independent.

 ## Official Libraries

@@ -47,8 +57,8 @@ All secrets, hashes, and cryptographic values shown in this guide are example va
 MeshCore Companion devices expose a BLE service with the following UUIDs:

 - **Service UUID**: `6E400001-B5A3-F393-E0A9-E50E24DCCA9E`
- **RX Characteristic** (App → Firmware): `6E400002-B5A3-F393-E0A9-E50E24DCCA9E`
- **TX Characteristic** (Firmware → App): `6E400003-B5A3-F393-E0A9-E50E24DCCA9E`
+- **RX Characteristic** (App -> Firmware): `6E400002-B5A3-F393-E0A9-E50E24DCCA9E`
+- **TX Characteristic** (Firmware -> App): `6E400003-B5A3-F393-E0A9-E50E24DCCA9E`

 ### Connection Steps

@@ -121,7 +131,7 @@ The default BLE MTU is 23 bytes (20 bytes payload). For larger commands like `SE
    - Send one command at a time
    - Wait for a response before sending another command
    - Use a timeout (typically 5 seconds)
-    - Match response to command by type (e.g: `CMD_GET_CHANNEL` → `RESP_CODE_CHANNEL_INFO`)
+    - Match response to command by type (e.g: `CMD_GET_CHANNEL` -> `RESP_CODE_CHANNEL_INFO`)

 ### Command Queue Management

@@ -160,6 +170,96 @@ The first byte indicates the packet type (see [Response Parsing](#response-parsi

 ## Commands

+The first byte selects the command. This is the current protocol-v13 command
+catalog; bytes `0x2C`-`0x31` are parked and `0x35` is unused.
+
+| Byte | Firmware name | Purpose |
+|---|---|---|
+| `0x01` | `CMD_APP_START` | Start an app session and request self information. |
+| `0x02` | `CMD_SEND_TXT_MSG` | Send text to a contact. |
+| `0x03` | `CMD_SEND_CHANNEL_TXT_MSG` | Send channel text. |
+| `0x04` | `CMD_GET_CONTACTS` | Enumerate contacts, optionally modified since a timestamp. |
+| `0x05` / `0x06` | `CMD_GET_DEVICE_TIME` / `CMD_SET_DEVICE_TIME` | Read or set the device clock. |
+| `0x07` / `0x08` | `CMD_SEND_SELF_ADVERT` / `CMD_SET_ADVERT_NAME` | Advertise self or change the advertised name. |
+| `0x09` | `CMD_ADD_UPDATE_CONTACT` | Add or update a contact. |
+| `0x0A` | `CMD_SYNC_NEXT_MESSAGE` | Dequeue the next pending message. |
+| `0x0B` / `0x0C` | `CMD_SET_RADIO_PARAMS` / `CMD_SET_RADIO_TX_POWER` | Set radio parameters or transmit power. |
+| `0x0D` | `CMD_RESET_PATH` | Reset a contact's learned path. |
+| `0x0E` | `CMD_SET_ADVERT_LATLON` | Set advertised coordinates. |
+| `0x0F` | `CMD_REMOVE_CONTACT` | Remove a contact. |
+| `0x10` / `0x11` / `0x12` | `CMD_SHARE_CONTACT` / `CMD_EXPORT_CONTACT` / `CMD_IMPORT_CONTACT` | Share, export, or import contact data. |
+| `0x13` | `CMD_REBOOT` | Reboot after the required confirmation body. |
+| `0x14` | `CMD_GET_BATT_AND_STORAGE` | Read battery and storage usage. |
+| `0x15` | `CMD_SET_TUNING_PARAMS` | Set tuning parameters. |
+| `0x16` | `CMD_DEVICE_QUERY` | Negotiate protocol support and read device information. |
+| `0x17` / `0x18` | `CMD_EXPORT_PRIVATE_KEY` / `CMD_IMPORT_PRIVATE_KEY` | Export or import identity key material when enabled. |
+| `0x19` | `CMD_SEND_RAW_DATA` | Send an application raw-data packet. |
+| `0x1A`-`0x1D` | `CMD_SEND_LOGIN` through `CMD_LOGOUT` | Manage a server connection. |
+| `0x1E` | `CMD_GET_CONTACT_BY_KEY` | Look up a contact by public-key prefix. |
+| `0x1F` / `0x20` | `CMD_GET_CHANNEL` / `CMD_SET_CHANNEL` | Read or write a channel slot. |
+| `0x21`-`0x23` | `CMD_SIGN_START` through `CMD_SIGN_FINISH` | Stream data for identity signing. |
+| `0x24` | `CMD_SEND_TRACE_PATH` | Trace a direct route. |
+| `0x25` | `CMD_SET_DEVICE_PIN` | Set or clear the device PIN. |
+| `0x26` | `CMD_SET_OTHER_PARAMS` | Set telemetry, location, ACK, and related preferences. |
+| `0x27` | `CMD_SEND_TELEMETRY_REQ` | Send the legacy telemetry request. |
+| `0x28` / `0x29` | `CMD_GET_CUSTOM_VARS` / `CMD_SET_CUSTOM_VAR` | Read or set custom variables. |
+| `0x2A` | `CMD_GET_ADVERT_PATH` | Read a cached advertisement path. |
+| `0x2B` | `CMD_GET_TUNING_PARAMS` | Read tuning parameters. |
+| `0x32` | `CMD_SEND_BINARY_REQ` | Send an application binary request. |
+| `0x33` | `CMD_FACTORY_RESET` | Factory-reset after the required confirmation body. |
+| `0x34` | `CMD_SEND_PATH_DISCOVERY_REQ` | Request path discovery. |
+| `0x36` | `CMD_SET_FLOOD_SCOPE_KEY` | Select scoped or unscoped flood behavior. |
+| `0x37` | `CMD_SEND_CONTROL_DATA` | Send zero-hop control data. |
+| `0x38` | `CMD_GET_STATS` | Read core, radio, or packet statistics. |
+| `0x39` | `CMD_SEND_ANON_REQ` | Send an anonymous request. |
+| `0x3A` / `0x3B` | `CMD_SET_AUTOADD_CONFIG` / `CMD_GET_AUTOADD_CONFIG` | Write or read automatic-contact policy. |
+| `0x3C` | `CMD_GET_ALLOWED_REPEAT_FREQ` | Read allowed client-repeat frequency ranges. |
+| `0x3D` | `CMD_SET_PATH_HASH_MODE` | Set path-hash width mode. |
+| `0x3E` | `CMD_SEND_CHANNEL_DATA` | Send a channel binary datagram. |
+| `0x3F` / `0x40` | `CMD_SET_DEFAULT_FLOOD_SCOPE` / `CMD_GET_DEFAULT_FLOOD_SCOPE` | Write or read the default flood scope. |
+| `0x41` | `CMD_SEND_RAW_PACKET` | Queue a fully encoded raw mesh packet. |
+| `0x42` / `0x43` | `CMD_GET_RADIO_FEM_RXGAIN` / `CMD_SET_RADIO_FEM_RXGAIN` | Read or set FEM receive gain. |
+| `0x44` / `0x45` | `CMD_GET_RADIO_RXGAIN` / `CMD_SET_RADIO_RXGAIN` | Read or set the radio chip's boosted receive-gain mode. |
+| `0x46` / `0x47` | `CMD_GET_WIFI_POWER_SAVE` / `CMD_SET_WIFI_POWER_SAVE` | Read or set ESP32 Companion WiFi modem sleep. |
+
+The sections below detail the most common frames. Refer to the source named
+above for command bodies that are not expanded here.
+
+The additive hardware-setting commands `0x42`-`0x47` do not change any existing
+version-13 frame layout. Clients should probe the command they need and treat
+`ERR_CODE_UNSUPPORTED_CMD` as feature absence.
+
+Both gain-command pairs can be used over the normal binary Companion
+connection; USB does not need to enter terminal mode. Inside the transport's
+normal Companion frame, send a GET command as its single command byte. Send a
+SET command followed by one byte (`0` for off, `1` for on). A GET reply is
+`RESP_CODE_OK` followed by the saved state; a successful SET reply is
+`RESP_CODE_OK`. Invalid states return `ERR_CODE_ILLEGAL_ARG`. A temporarily
+busy radio returns `ERR_CODE_BAD_STATE`; unsupported boosted gain returns
+`ERR_CODE_UNSUPPORTED_CMD`. The FEM pair also returns
+`ERR_CODE_UNSUPPORTED_CMD` when the board cannot control its external LNA. Raw
+text such as `set radio.rxgain off` still requires the USB terminal start token.
+
+The WiFi power-save pair is available on ESP32 WiFi Companion builds over the
+normal binary USB, BLE, or TCP port 5000 transport. `CMD_GET_WIFI_POWER_SAVE`
+has no body and replies with `RESP_CODE_OK` followed by one mode byte.
+`CMD_SET_WIFI_POWER_SAVE` is followed by that mode byte and replies with
+`RESP_CODE_OK` after saving it:
+
+| Value | Mode |
+|---:|---|
+| `0` | `min` - minimum modem sleep |
+| `1` | `none` - no modem sleep |
+| `2` | `max` - maximum modem sleep |
+
+An out-of-range value returns `ERR_CODE_ILLEGAL_ARG`. A non-WiFi Companion
+returns `ERR_CODE_UNSUPPORTED_CMD`. Full Companion has Bluetooth enabled and
+therefore returns `ERR_CODE_BAD_STATE` for `none`, because ESP32 WiFi/Bluetooth
+coexistence requires modem sleep. A storage failure also returns
+`ERR_CODE_BAD_STATE`. If an already-saved mode cannot be applied to the active
+WiFi driver, SET still returns `RESP_CODE_OK` and the mode is applied on the
+next connection. Device `powersaving` does not overwrite this setting.
+
 ### 1. App Start

 **Purpose**: Initialize communication with the device. Must be sent first after connection.
@@ -187,12 +287,12 @@ Bytes 8+: Application name (UTF-8, optional)
 **Command Format**:
 ```
 Byte 0: 0x16
-Byte 1: 0x03
+Byte 1: Highest companion protocol version understood by the app
 ```

 **Example** (hex):
 ```
-16 03
+16 0D
 ```

 **Response**: `PACKET_DEVICE_INFO` (0x0D) with device information
@@ -206,7 +306,7 @@ Byte 1: 0x03
 **Command Format**:
 ```
 Byte 0: 0x1F
-Byte 1: Channel Index (0-7)
+Byte 1: Channel index (0 through max_channels - 1)
 ```

 **Example** (get channel 1):
@@ -225,16 +325,17 @@ Byte 1: Channel Index (0-7)
 **Command Format**:
 ```
 Byte 0: 0x20
-Byte 1: Channel Index (0-7)
+Byte 1: Channel index (0 through max_channels - 1)
 Bytes 2-33: Channel Name (32 bytes, UTF-8, null-padded)
 Bytes 34-49: Secret (16 bytes)
 ```

 **Total Length**: 50 bytes

-**Channel Index**:
- Index 0: Reserved for public channels (no secret)
- Indices 1-7: Available for private channels
+**Channel index**:
+- Slot count is build-specific. Read `max_channels` from byte 3 of
+  `PACKET_DEVICE_INFO`; current profiles commonly expose 1, 8, or 40 slots.
+- No slot number has an intrinsic public/private meaning.

 **Channel Name**:
 - UTF-8 encoded
@@ -242,10 +343,12 @@ Bytes 34-49: Secret (16 bytes)
 - Padded with null bytes (0x00) if shorter

 **Secret Field** (16 bytes):
- For **private channels**: 16-byte secret
- For **public channels**: All zeros (0x00)
+- Supply the exact 16-byte channel key. A private channel normally uses a
+  cryptographically random key; known public and hashtag channels use their
+  defined or derived key.
+- An all-zero key is not the public-channel key.

-**Example** (create channel "YourChannelName" at index 1 with secret):
+**Example** (create channel "SMS" at index 1 with secret):
 ```
 20 01 53 4D 53 00 00 ... (name padded to 32 bytes)
    [16 bytes of secret]
@@ -265,7 +368,7 @@ Bytes 34-49: Secret (16 bytes)
 ```
 Byte 0: 0x03
 Byte 1: 0x00
-Byte 2: Channel Index (0-7)
+Byte 2: Channel index (0 through max_channels - 1)
 Bytes 3-6: Timestamp (32-bit little-endian Unix timestamp, seconds)
 Bytes 7+: Message Text (UTF-8, variable length)
 ```
@@ -283,18 +386,24 @@ Bytes 7+: Message Text (UTF-8, variable length)

 ### 6. Send Channel Data Datagram

-**Purpose**: Send a binary datagram to a channel. Unlike channel text messages, datagrams carry no built-in sender identity and no timestamp — applications needing either must encode them inside the binary payload.
+**Purpose**: Send a binary datagram to a channel. Unlike channel text messages, datagrams carry no built-in sender identity and no timestamp - applications needing either must encode them inside the binary payload.

 **Command Format**:
 ```
 Byte 0:                         0x3E
-Byte 1:                         Channel Index (0-7)
-Byte 2:                         Path Length (0xFF = flood, otherwise actual path length)
-Bytes 3 .. 2+path_len:          Path (omitted when path_len == 0xFF)
+Byte 1:                         Channel index (0 through max_channels - 1)
+Byte 2:                         Encoded path descriptor (0xFF = flood)
+Bytes 3+:                       Encoded path bytes (omitted for 0xFF)
 Next 2 bytes (little-endian):   Data Type (`data_type`, uint16)
 Remaining bytes:                Binary payload (variable length)
 ```

+For a direct send, the descriptor's low six bits are the hash count and its
+high two bits are the hash size minus one. Current mesh packets accept one-,
+two-, or three-byte hashes; the four-byte code is reserved. The following path
+therefore occupies `hash_count * hash_size` bytes; the descriptor itself is not
+a raw byte count.
+
 **Example** (flood, `DATA_TYPE_DEV`, payload `A1 B2 C3`, channel 1):
 ```
 3E 01 FF FF FF A1 B2 C3
@@ -303,29 +412,29 @@ Remaining bytes:                Binary payload (variable length)
 **Data Type / Transport Mapping**:
 - `0x0000` (`DATA_TYPE_RESERVED`) is invalid and rejected with `PACKET_ERROR`.
 - `0xFFFF` (`DATA_TYPE_DEV`) is the developer namespace for experimenting and developing apps.
- Values `0x0001`–`0xFFFE` are available for registered application/community namespaces. See the [Registered data_type values](#registered-data_type-values) table below.
+- Registered application/community namespaces occupy `0x0100`-`0xFEFF`; the remaining nonzero ranges are reserved for internal or development use. See the [Registered data_type values](#registered-data_type-values) table below.

 **Limits**:
- Maximum payload length is `MAX_CHANNEL_DATA_LENGTH = MAX_FRAME_SIZE - 9 = 163` bytes.
+- Maximum payload length is `MAX_CHANNEL_DATA_LENGTH = MAX_FRAME_SIZE - 9 = 167` bytes.
 - Larger payloads are rejected with `PACKET_ERROR` (`ERR_CODE_ILLEGAL_ARG`).

 **Response**: `PACKET_OK` (0x00) on success, or `PACKET_ERROR` (0x01) with one of:
- `ERR_CODE_NOT_FOUND` (2) — unknown `channel_idx`
- `ERR_CODE_ILLEGAL_ARG` (6) — invalid `path_len`, reserved `data_type` (`0x0000`), or payload larger than `MAX_CHANNEL_DATA_LENGTH`
- `ERR_CODE_TABLE_FULL` (3) — outbound send queue is full; retry later
+- `ERR_CODE_NOT_FOUND` (2) - unknown `channel_idx`
+- `ERR_CODE_ILLEGAL_ARG` (6) - invalid `path_len`, reserved `data_type` (`0x0000`), or payload larger than `MAX_CHANNEL_DATA_LENGTH`
+- `ERR_CODE_TABLE_FULL` (3) - outbound send queue is full; retry later

 **Inbound datagrams** are delivered to the host via `RESP_CODE_CHANNEL_DATA_RECV` (0x1B); see [Receive Channel Data Datagram](#receive-channel-data-datagram).

 #### Registered `data_type` values

-`data_type` is an **application identifier**, not a payload-format identifier. Each registered value identifies an application that owns its own internal payload schemas. The firmware does not inspect payload contents — `data_type` is transported opaquely.
+`data_type` is an **application identifier**, not a payload-format identifier. Each registered value identifies an application that owns its own internal payload schemas. The firmware does not inspect payload contents - `data_type` is transported opaquely.

 | Value           | Constant             | Purpose                                                                                |
 |-----------------|----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
 | 0x0000          | `DATA_TYPE_RESERVED` | Reserved; invalid on send                                                              |
-| 0x0001 – 0x00FF | —                    | Reserved for internal use                                                              |
-| 0x0100 – 0xFEFF | —                    | Registered application namespaces (see [number_allocations.md](number_allocations.md)) |
-| 0xFF00 – 0xFFFE | —                    | Testing/development; no registration required                                          |
+| 0x0001 - 0x00FF | -                    | Reserved for internal use                                                              |
+| 0x0100 - 0xFEFF | -                    | Registered application namespaces (see [number_allocations.md](number_allocations.md)) |
+| 0xFF00 - 0xFFFE | -                    | Testing/development; no registration required                                          |
 | 0xFFFF          | `DATA_TYPE_DEV`      | Developer/experimental namespace                                                       |

 To register a new application, submit a PR adding a row to the table in [docs/number_allocations.md](number_allocations.md). Internal sub-formats within an allocated application ID are owned by that application and are not tracked in MeshCore firmware or this document.
@@ -339,25 +448,25 @@ Inbound group datagrams (radio-level `PAYLOAD_TYPE_GRP_DATA`, 0x06) are forwarde
 **Frame Format** (`RESP_CODE_CHANNEL_DATA_RECV`, 0x1B):
 ```
 Byte 0:                 0x1B (packet type)
-Byte 1:                 SNR (signed int8, scaled ×4 — divide by 4.0 to recover dB)
+Byte 1:                 SNR (signed int8, scaled x4 - divide by 4.0 to recover dB)
 Bytes 2-3:              Reserved (clients MUST ignore)
-Byte 4:                 Channel Index (0-7)
+Byte 4:                 Channel index (0 through max_channels - 1)
 Byte 5:                 Path Length (actual path length when flooded, otherwise 0xFF for direct)
 Bytes 6-7:              Data Type (uint16 little-endian)
 Byte 8:                 Data Length
 Bytes 9 .. 8+data_len:  Payload
 ```

-**Path bytes are not forwarded**: Only `path_len` is reported in the receive frame — the path itself is not copied to the host. There are no path bytes between byte 5 and the data_type field at bytes 6–7, regardless of `path_len`.
+**Path bytes are not forwarded**: Only `path_len` is reported in the receive frame - the path itself is not copied to the host. There are no path bytes between byte 5 and the data_type field at bytes 6-7, regardless of `path_len`.

 **Path Length semantics differ between send and receive**:

-| Direction | `path_len = 0xFF`               | `path_len ≠ 0xFF`                                                                                                                           |
+| Direction | `path_len = 0xFF`               | `path_len != 0xFF`                                                                                                                           |
 |-----------|---------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
-| Send      | Flood the network               | Direct route; the encoded path follows (low 6 bits = hash count, top 2 bits + 1 = hash size; on-wire byte count = `hash_count × hash_size`) |
+| Send      | Flood the network               | Direct route; the encoded path follows (low 6 bits = hash count, top 2 bits + 1 = hash size; on-wire byte count = `hash_count x hash_size`) |
 | Receive   | Packet arrived via direct route | Packet was flooded; this is the encoded `pkt->path_len` field as observed (no path bytes follow)                                            |

-In other words, the meaning of `0xFF` is inverted between the two directions, and on receive the field carries metadata only — never a routable path. `path_len` is an encoded byte (see `Packet::isValidPathLen` / `Packet::writePath` in `src/Packet.cpp`), not a raw byte count.
+In other words, the meaning of `0xFF` is inverted between the two directions, and on receive the field carries metadata only - never a routable path. `path_len` is an encoded byte (see `Packet::isValidPathLen` / `Packet::writePath` in `src/Packet.cpp`), not a raw byte count.

 **Note**: The device may also emit `PACKET_MESSAGES_WAITING` (0x83) to notify the host that datagrams are queued; poll with `CMD_SYNC_NEXT_MESSAGE` (0x0A) to retrieve them.

@@ -440,6 +549,8 @@ Byte 0: 0x14
    - Uses a secret key derived from the channel name
    - It is the first 16 bytes of `sha256("#test")`
    - For example hashtag channel `#test` has the key: `9cd8fcf22a47333b591d96a2b848b73f`
+    - Traffic is encrypted on air, but anyone who knows or guesses the channel
+      name can derive the key. Hashtag channels should not be treated as private.
    - Used as a topic based public group chat, separate from the default public channel
 3. **Private Channels**
    - Uses a randomly generated 16-byte secret key
@@ -450,7 +561,8 @@ Byte 0: 0x14
 ### Channel Lifecycle

 1. **Set Channel**:
-    - Fetch all channel slots, and find one with empty name and all-zero secret
+    - Read `max_channels` from device info, fetch those slots, and choose an
+      unused slot (normally an empty name and zeroed key)
    - Generate or provide a 16-byte secret
    - Send `CMD_SET_CHANNEL` with name and a 16-byte secret
 2. **Get Channel**:
@@ -548,7 +660,7 @@ def parse_contact_message(data):
 **Standard Format** (`PACKET_CHANNEL_MSG_RECV`, 0x08):
 ```
 Byte 0: 0x08 (packet type)
-Byte 1: Channel Index (0-7)
+Byte 1: Channel index (0 through max_channels - 1)
 Byte 2: Path Length
 Byte 3: Text Type
 Bytes 4-7: Timestamp (32-bit little-endian)
@@ -560,7 +672,7 @@ Bytes 8+: Message Text (UTF-8)
 Byte 0: 0x11 (packet type)
 Byte 1: SNR (signed byte, multiplied by 4)
 Bytes 2-3: Reserved
-Byte 4: Channel Index (0-7)
+Byte 4: Channel index (0 through max_channels - 1)
 Byte 5: Path Length
 Byte 6: Text Type
 Bytes 7-10: Timestamp (32-bit little-endian)
@@ -598,8 +710,11 @@ def parse_channel_message(data):
 Use the `SEND_CHANNEL_MESSAGE` command (see [Commands](#commands)).

 **Important**: 
- Messages are limited to 133 characters per MeshCore specification
- Long messages should be split into chunks
+- The shared text envelope permits up to 160 UTF-8 bytes. For channel text,
+  firmware prepends `<sender name>: ` inside that envelope, so the available
+  message body is `160 - prefix_bytes` and varies with the configured name.
+- Count encoded UTF-8 bytes, not Unicode characters. Split a longer message at
+  valid UTF-8 boundaries.
 - Include a chunk indicator (e.g., "[1/3] message text")

 ---
@@ -610,36 +725,62 @@ Use the `SEND_CHANNEL_MESSAGE` command (see [Commands](#commands)).

 This document uses a spec-level naming convention (`PACKET_*`) for bytes the firmware sends back to the host. In the firmware source these same values are split across two `#define` families by purpose:

- `RESP_CODE_*` — direct replies to a command (e.g. `RESP_CODE_CHANNEL_DATA_RECV` = `PACKET_CHANNEL_DATA_RECV` = 0x1B).
- `PUSH_CODE_*` — asynchronous notifications not tied to a specific command (e.g. `PUSH_CODE_MSG_WAITING` = `PACKET_MESSAGES_WAITING` = 0x83).
+- `RESP_CODE_*` - direct replies to a command (e.g. `RESP_CODE_CHANNEL_DATA_RECV` = `PACKET_CHANNEL_DATA_RECV` = 0x1B).
+- `PUSH_CODE_*` - asynchronous notifications not tied to a specific command (e.g. `PUSH_CODE_MSG_WAITING` = `PACKET_MESSAGES_WAITING` = 0x83).

 Byte values are authoritative; names are aliases. When reading firmware source, `RESP_CODE_X` / `PUSH_CODE_X` correspond to this doc's `PACKET_X` of the same numeric value.

-### Packet Types
+### Response types

-| Value | Name                       | Description                   |
-|-------|----------------------------|-------------------------------|
-| 0x00  | PACKET_OK                  | Command succeeded             |
-| 0x01  | PACKET_ERROR               | Command failed                |
-| 0x02  | PACKET_CONTACT_START       | Start of contact list         |
-| 0x03  | PACKET_CONTACT             | Contact information           |
-| 0x04  | PACKET_CONTACT_END         | End of contact list           |
-| 0x05  | PACKET_SELF_INFO           | Device self-information       |
-| 0x06  | PACKET_MSG_SENT            | Message sent confirmation     |
-| 0x07  | PACKET_CONTACT_MSG_RECV    | Contact message (standard)    |
-| 0x08  | PACKET_CHANNEL_MSG_RECV    | Channel message (standard)    |
-| 0x09  | PACKET_CURRENT_TIME        | Current time response         |
-| 0x0A  | PACKET_NO_MORE_MSGS        | No more messages available    |
-| 0x0C  | PACKET_BATTERY             | Battery level                 |
-| 0x0D  | PACKET_DEVICE_INFO         | Device information            |
-| 0x10  | PACKET_CONTACT_MSG_RECV_V3 | Contact message (V3 with SNR) |
-| 0x11  | PACKET_CHANNEL_MSG_RECV_V3 | Channel message (V3 with SNR) |
-| 0x12  | PACKET_CHANNEL_INFO        | Channel information           |
-| 0x1B  | PACKET_CHANNEL_DATA_RECV   | Channel data datagram         |
-| 0x80  | PACKET_ADVERTISEMENT       | Advertisement packet          |
-| 0x82  | PACKET_ACK                 | Acknowledgment                |
-| 0x83  | PACKET_MESSAGES_WAITING    | Messages waiting notification |
-| 0x88  | PACKET_LOG_DATA            | RF log data (can be ignored)  |
+| Value | Firmware name | Description |
+|---|---|---|
+| `0x00` | `RESP_CODE_OK` | Command succeeded. |
+| `0x01` | `RESP_CODE_ERR` | Command failed; byte 1 is the error code. |
+| `0x02` | `RESP_CODE_CONTACTS_START` | Contact enumeration started. |
+| `0x03` | `RESP_CODE_CONTACT` | One contact record. |
+| `0x04` | `RESP_CODE_END_OF_CONTACTS` | Contact enumeration ended. |
+| `0x05` | `RESP_CODE_SELF_INFO` | Device self-information. |
+| `0x06` | `RESP_CODE_SENT` | Send accepted, with route/tag/timeout data. |
+| `0x07` / `0x08` | `RESP_CODE_CONTACT_MSG_RECV` / `RESP_CODE_CHANNEL_MSG_RECV` | Queued legacy-format message. |
+| `0x09` | `RESP_CODE_CURR_TIME` | Current device time. |
+| `0x0A` | `RESP_CODE_NO_MORE_MESSAGES` | Offline queue is empty. |
+| `0x0B` | `RESP_CODE_EXPORT_CONTACT` | Exported contact bytes. |
+| `0x0C` | `RESP_CODE_BATT_AND_STORAGE` | Battery and storage values. |
+| `0x0D` | `RESP_CODE_DEVICE_INFO` | Protocol and build information. |
+| `0x0E` | `RESP_CODE_PRIVATE_KEY` | Exported identity key, when enabled. |
+| `0x0F` | `RESP_CODE_DISABLED` | Requested sensitive feature is disabled. |
+| `0x10` / `0x11` | `RESP_CODE_CONTACT_MSG_RECV_V3` / `RESP_CODE_CHANNEL_MSG_RECV_V3` | Queued message with SNR fields. |
+| `0x12` | `RESP_CODE_CHANNEL_INFO` | Channel slot information. |
+| `0x13` / `0x14` | `RESP_CODE_SIGN_START` / `RESP_CODE_SIGNATURE` | Signing capacity or completed signature. |
+| `0x15` | `RESP_CODE_CUSTOM_VARS` | Custom-variable data. |
+| `0x16` | `RESP_CODE_ADVERT_PATH` | Cached advertisement path. |
+| `0x17` | `RESP_CODE_TUNING_PARAMS` | Tuning parameters. |
+| `0x18` | `RESP_CODE_STATS` | Requested statistics subtype. |
+| `0x19` | `RESP_CODE_AUTOADD_CONFIG` | Automatic-contact policy. |
+| `0x1A` | `RESP_ALLOWED_REPEAT_FREQ` | Allowed repeat-frequency ranges. |
+| `0x1B` | `RESP_CODE_CHANNEL_DATA_RECV` | Queued channel datagram. |
+| `0x1C` | `RESP_CODE_DEFAULT_FLOOD_SCOPE` | Default flood-scope data. |
+
+### Asynchronous push types
+
+| Value | Firmware name | Description |
+|---|---|---|
+| `0x80` | `PUSH_CODE_ADVERT` | Advertisement received. |
+| `0x81` | `PUSH_CODE_PATH_UPDATED` | A contact path changed. |
+| `0x82` | `PUSH_CODE_SEND_CONFIRMED` | A sent message was acknowledged. |
+| `0x83` | `PUSH_CODE_MSG_WAITING` | One or more offline frames are waiting. |
+| `0x84` | `PUSH_CODE_RAW_DATA` | Raw application data received. |
+| `0x85` / `0x86` | `PUSH_CODE_LOGIN_SUCCESS` / `PUSH_CODE_LOGIN_FAIL` | Server login result. |
+| `0x87` | `PUSH_CODE_STATUS_RESPONSE` | Server status response. |
+| `0x88` | `PUSH_CODE_LOG_RX_DATA` | Radio receive log data. |
+| `0x89` | `PUSH_CODE_TRACE_DATA` | Completed trace data. |
+| `0x8A` | `PUSH_CODE_NEW_ADVERT` | Newly stored contact advertisement. |
+| `0x8B` | `PUSH_CODE_TELEMETRY_RESPONSE` | Telemetry response. |
+| `0x8C` | `PUSH_CODE_BINARY_RESPONSE` | Binary request response. |
+| `0x8D` | `PUSH_CODE_PATH_DISCOVERY_RESPONSE` | Path-discovery response. |
+| `0x8E` | `PUSH_CODE_CONTROL_DATA` | Control/discovery data. |
+| `0x8F` | `PUSH_CODE_CONTACT_DELETED` | Oldest contact was deleted while making room. |
+| `0x90` | `PUSH_CODE_CONTACTS_FULL` | Contact storage is full. |

 ### Parsing Responses

@@ -674,7 +815,7 @@ Bytes 2+: Variable length based on firmware version
 For firmware version >= 3:
 Byte 2: Max Contacts Raw (uint8, actual = value * 2)
 Byte 3: Max Channels (uint8)
-Bytes 4-7: BLE PIN (32-bit little-endian)
+Bytes 4-7: Active BLE PIN (32-bit little-endian; includes a generated session PIN)
 Bytes 8-19: Firmware Build (12 bytes, UTF-8, null-padded)
 Bytes 20-59: Model (40 bytes, UTF-8, null-padded)
 Bytes 60-79: Version (20 bytes, UTF-8, null-padded)
@@ -698,6 +839,11 @@ def parse_device_info(data):
        info['fw_build'] = data[8:20].decode('utf-8').rstrip('\x00').strip()
        info['model'] = data[20:60].decode('utf-8').rstrip('\x00').strip()
        info['ver'] = data[60:80].decode('utf-8').rstrip('\x00').strip()
+
+    if fw_ver >= 9 and len(data) >= 81:
+        info['client_repeat'] = data[80] != 0
+    if fw_ver >= 10 and len(data) >= 82:
+        info['path_hash_mode'] = data[81]
    
    return info
 ```
@@ -799,10 +945,11 @@ Bytes 2-5: Tag / Expected ACK (4 bytes, little-endian)
 Bytes 6-9: Suggested Timeout (32-bit little-endian, milliseconds)
 ```

-**PACKET_ACK** (0x82):
+**PACKET_SEND_CONFIRMED** (0x82):
 ```
 Byte 0: 0x82
-Bytes 1-6: ACK Code (6 bytes, hex)
+Bytes 1-4: ACK code (32-bit little-endian)
+Bytes 5-8: Round-trip time (32-bit little-endian, milliseconds)
 ```

 ### Error Codes
@@ -813,7 +960,7 @@ Bytes 1-6: ACK Code (6 bytes, hex)
 |------|----------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
 | 1    | `ERR_CODE_UNSUPPORTED_CMD` | Unknown or unsupported command byte / sub-command                            |
 | 2    | `ERR_CODE_NOT_FOUND`       | Target not found (channel, contact, message, etc.)                           |
-| 3    | `ERR_CODE_TABLE_FULL`      | Internal queue or table is full — retry later                                |
+| 3    | `ERR_CODE_TABLE_FULL`      | Internal queue or table is full - retry later                                |
 | 4    | `ERR_CODE_BAD_STATE`       | Operation not valid in current device state (e.g. iterator already running)  |
 | 5    | `ERR_CODE_FILE_IO_ERROR`   | Filesystem or storage I/O failure                                            |
 | 6    | `ERR_CODE_ILLEGAL_ARG`     | Invalid argument (bad length, out-of-range value, reserved field, etc.)      |
@@ -833,7 +980,8 @@ BLE implementations enqueue and deliver one protocol frame per BLE write/notific
 1. **Command-Response Pattern**:
   - Send command via RX characteristic
   - Wait for response via TX characteristic (notification)
-   - Match response to command using sequence numbers or command type
+   - Match the response by the expected response type; frames do not carry a
+     general command sequence number
   - Handle timeout (typically 5 seconds)
   - Use command queue to prevent concurrent commands

@@ -845,14 +993,14 @@ BLE implementations enqueue and deliver one protocol frame per BLE write/notific

 3. **Response Matching**:
   - Match responses to commands by expected packet type:
-     - `APP_START` → `PACKET_SELF_INFO`
-     - `DEVICE_QUERY` → `PACKET_DEVICE_INFO`
-     - `GET_CHANNEL` → `PACKET_CHANNEL_INFO`
-     - `SET_CHANNEL` → `PACKET_OK` or `PACKET_ERROR`
-     - `SEND_CHANNEL_MESSAGE` → `PACKET_MSG_SENT`
-     - `GET_MESSAGE` → `PACKET_CHANNEL_MSG_RECV`, `PACKET_CONTACT_MSG_RECV`, `PACKET_CHANNEL_DATA_RECV`, or `PACKET_NO_MORE_MSGS`
-     - `SEND_CHANNEL_DATA` → `PACKET_OK` or `PACKET_ERROR`
-     - `GET_BATTERY` → `PACKET_BATTERY`
+     - `APP_START` -> `PACKET_SELF_INFO`
+     - `DEVICE_QUERY` -> `PACKET_DEVICE_INFO`
+     - `GET_CHANNEL` -> `PACKET_CHANNEL_INFO`
+     - `SET_CHANNEL` -> `PACKET_OK` or `PACKET_ERROR`
+     - `SEND_CHANNEL_MESSAGE` -> `PACKET_MSG_SENT`
+     - `GET_MESSAGE` -> `PACKET_CHANNEL_MSG_RECV`, `PACKET_CONTACT_MSG_RECV`, `PACKET_CHANNEL_DATA_RECV`, or `PACKET_NO_MORE_MSGS`
+     - `SEND_CHANNEL_DATA` -> `PACKET_OK` or `PACKET_ERROR`
+     - `GET_BATTERY` -> `PACKET_BATTERY`

 4. **Timeout Handling**:
   - Default timeout: 5 seconds per command
@@ -900,7 +1048,7 @@ secret_hex = secret_16_bytes.hex()

 # 2. Build SET_CHANNEL command
 channel_name = "YourChannelName"
-channel_index = 1  # Use 1-7 for private channels
+channel_index = choose_unused_slot(max_channels)
 command = build_set_channel(channel_index, channel_name, secret_16_bytes)

 # 3. Send command
@@ -0,0 +1,432 @@
+# Full Companion
+
+`companion_radio_full` combines every Companion transport available on its
+platform and acts as a host-backed LoRa mOTA source for updating other nodes.
+The full Companion is deliberately not a LoRa OTA destination: it has no
+firmware staging store, refuses `ota install`, and never advertises its own
+firmware as an mOTA image.
+
+| Capability | ESP32 full | nRF52 full |
+| --- | --- | --- |
+| USB Binary Companion | Yes | Yes |
+| BLE Binary Companion | Yes | Yes |
+| USB ASCII terminal | Yes | Yes |
+| Host-backed LoRa mOTA source | WiFi TCP 5001 | Exclusive USB mode |
+| WiFi Companion/WebConfig | Yes | No - nRF52840 has no WiFi |
+| LoRa self-update | No | No |
+
+## Build and install
+
+The target is synthesized by `build.sh` only when matching transport recipes
+exist for the exact board variant:
+
+- ESP32 requires matching WiFi, USB, and BLE Companion environments.
+- nRF52 requires matching USB and BLE Companion environments.
+
+List the available targets:
+
+```bash
+bash build.sh list | grep companion_radio_full
+```
+
+Build by using one exact listed name:
+
+```bash
+bash build.sh build-firmware heltec_v4_r8_companion_radio_full \
+  --firmware-version v1.17.0
+
+bash build.sh build-firmware RAK_4631_companion_radio_full \
+  --firmware-version v1.17.0
+```
+
+To build every canonical full Companion target, select the corresponding
+interactive menu item or run:
+
+```bash
+bash build.sh build-full-companion-firmwares \
+  --firmware-version v1.17.0
+```
+
+Heltec `_femon` Companion firmware can switch the external FEM receive gain at
+runtime, so the Companion bulk-build commands omit the redundant legacy
+`_femoff` targets. Those targets remain available through an explicit
+`build-firmware` command for compatibility. In WebConfig, use the **FEM RX
+boost** switch. From the USB terminal, use:
+
+```text
+get radio.rxgain
+set radio.rxgain off
+set radio.rxgain on
+get radio.fem.rxgain
+set radio.fem.rxgain off
+set radio.fem.rxgain on
+get radio.fem.txgain
+set radio.fem.txgain off
+set radio.fem.txgain on
+```
+
+`radio.rxgain` controls the radio chip's boosted receive-gain mode; the FEM
+commands control the external receive and transmit paths. The selected states
+are applied immediately and retained after reboot. FEM TX gain is reported as
+unsupported on boards without software-selectable PA gain.
+
+Device power saving is separate from LoRa RXPS. It can be changed in WebConfig
+with the **Device power saving** switch or from the USB terminal:
+
+```text
+powersaving
+powersaving on
+powersaving off
+```
+
+On ESP32, WiFi modem power saving is a third independent setting. Select it in
+the WebConfig **WiFi** card, or use the Full Companion USB terminal or TCP port
+5002:
+
+```text
+get wifi.powersave
+set wifi.powersave min
+set wifi.powersave max
+```
+
+The normal binary Companion connection can also read or write this setting over
+USB, BLE, or TCP port 5000 without entering terminal mode. The saved values are
+`0` for `min`, `1` for `none`, and `2` for `max`; see the
+[Companion protocol](./companion_protocol.md#commands). Full Companion rejects
+`none` because simultaneous WiFi and BLE require modem sleep. Fresh Cascade
+builds select `min`, and an existing saved selection takes precedence.
+
+On radios with RX duty-cycle support, WebConfig and the USB terminal also
+expose the persisted RXPS setting:
+
+```text
+get radio.rxps
+set radio.rxps off
+set radio.rxps on
+set radio.rxps level 8 preamble 16
+set radio.rxps 65625 60000
+```
+
+Fresh Cascade-profile Full Companion builds start with RXPS on at level 8 and
+a 16-symbol preamble. Changing it takes effect immediately and remains selected
+after reboot.
+
+Companion firmware defaults device power saving to on. Version 1.17.1.2 also
+turns it on once when upgrading an older Companion preference file, including
+one written by the short-lived default-off regression. After that one-time
+migration, an explicit `powersaving off` selection remains persistent.
+
+On ESP32, enabling it lowers the CPU clock to 80 MHz, enables idle yielding,
+and enables the configured GPS duty cycle. Disabling it restores the normal CPU
+clock and keeps GPS awake. Full Companion transports remain available in both
+states; WiFi modem sleep stays enabled when BLE is present because coexistence
+requires it. Changing device power saving does not overwrite the saved WiFi
+power-save mode. While a native-USB host is enumerated, the platform sleep
+attempt is held off so USB CDC remains responsive; detaching the host releases
+that guard. CPU, radio-modem, and GPS power-saving settings remain active, and
+USB power from a charger alone does not create a Companion session. The
+selected state is retained after reboot.
+
+On the LilyGo T-Beam 1W Full Companion, press the physical `BOOT` button once
+to turn the ESP32 WiFi radio and all WiFi services off or on. The screen confirms
+`WiFi: OFF` or `WiFi: ON`, and the selected state is retained after reboot. When
+WiFi is off, TCP ports 5000-5002, WebConfig, and MQTT are stopped; USB, BLE, the
+display, GPS, and LoRa continue to operate. Press BOOT again to restore WiFi,
+including the saved station or setup-AP mode. On boot, BLE starts two seconds
+after WiFi/WebConfig so their peak startup allocations do not overlap.
+
+Artifacts are written to `out/` by default.
+
+On 4 MB ESP32 boards, the full target uses a single 3 MB application partition
+so WiFi, BLE, WebConfig, and source-only mOTA fit together. The T-Beam 1W Full
+Companion uses that same LilyGo factory-compatible boot layout on its 16 MB
+flash because this source-only role does not install updates into a second app
+slot. Flash the generated `-merged.bin` when first installing this partition
+layout. Other boards with 8 MB or more retain dual application partitions.
+Heltec V2 and TLora V2 use 100 contacts, 8 group channels, and a 16-frame offline
+queue in this combined profile because of internal DRAM limits.
+
+Full Companions normally retain 256 pending Companion message frames. ESP32
+boards with configured PSRAM retain 512 and allocate that queue from PSRAM
+before WiFi and BLE start. If PSRAM is unavailable at runtime, allocation falls
+back through 256 and 128 frames, then to a 16-frame internal buffer. The Full
+Companion startup memory line reports the capacity actually allocated as
+`offline_queue=<frames>`. The queue is volatile and shared by all channels and
+direct messages; it is not flash-backed history. See
+[Companion offline message queue](./companion_offline_queue.md) for all platform
+defaults and full-queue behavior.
+
+The nRF52 target inherits the board's ordinary USB Companion installation
+format and adds BLE plus the serial mOTA source. It does not enable an SD cache
+or any other board-specific storage behavior; host files are streamed as they
+are requested. Its image is bounded by the board's normal application region,
+not the smaller OTAFIX in-place workspace reserved for firmware that can update
+itself.
+
+## Interfaces
+
+| Platform | Interface | Purpose |
+| --- | --- | --- |
+| Both | USB, 115200 baud | Binary Companion by default; terminal switch available |
+| Both | BLE | Binary Companion; display builds show a random session PIN, while headless builds default to `123456` |
+| ESP32 | TCP 5000 | Binary Companion over WiFi |
+| ESP32 | HTTP 80 | Companion WebConfig and first-boot WiFi setup |
+| ESP32 | TCP 5001 | Host `.mota` folder from `motatool serve --tcp` |
+| ESP32 | TCP 5002 | Local `ota`, `tempradio`, `normalradio`, and `wifi.powersave` console |
+| nRF52 | USB mOTA mode | Host `.mota` folder from `motatool serve --serial` |
+
+Delivery-required replies are returned only to the interface which supplied the
+latest command. A contact-list stream keeps that route locked from
+`CONTACTS_START` through `END_OF_CONTACTS`; commands waiting on another
+interface are read after the stream finishes. Best-effort asynchronous
+observations such as adverts remain broadcast so passive clients can refresh
+their views. Companion session state is device-wide, so use one active
+Companion application at a time. On nRF52, BLE remains available while USB is
+in terminal or mOTA mode.
+
+USB Binary output is queued as complete length-prefixed frames. Temporary CDC
+or UART backpressure pauses the contact stream; a frame may drain through a
+smaller hardware FIFO in ordered chunks, but its remainder is retained and no
+later frame can interleave with it or cause it to be discarded.
+
+When a BLE client requests pairing, a display-equipped build wakes the screen,
+switches to the first home page, and keeps the active six-digit PIN visible
+until Bluetooth connects or the two-minute pairing window expires. USB, WiFi,
+Ethernet, and hardware-serial connections do not suppress this screen. With no
+saved BLE PIN, display builds generate a new PIN at boot; builds without a
+physical display use `123456`. A PIN saved through the Companion protocol takes
+effect after reboot.
+
+ESP32 ports 5000, 5001, 5002, and WebConfig have no independent login layer.
+Expose them only on a trusted LAN or temporary setup network. See
+[WiFi setup](./WiFi.md) for credential setup and reconnect behavior.
+
+## USB Binary and terminal modes
+
+USB starts in Binary mode for MeshCore apps and `meshcli`:
+
+```bash
+meshcli -s /dev/ttyACM0 -b 115200 ver
+```
+
+Open the port with the terminal start token sent automatically:
+
+```bash
+picocom -b 115200 \
+  --imap spchex \
+  --initstring '+++MESHCORE-TERM-START' \
+  /dev/ttyACM0
+```
+
+The input map prevents any Binary Companion control bytes received during the
+mode transition from changing the local terminal's character set or display
+state while leaving UTF-8 emoji intact. The banner confirms that terminal mode
+is active; do not enter the start token again after it appears.
+
+The terminal supports Companion chat commands, including `channels`,
+`channel <name-or-slot> <message>`, remote administration with
+`login <admin-password>` and `cmd <remote-command>`, and routed
+`trace [recipient-name-or-prefix]`, plus local `ota`, `tempradio`, and
+`normalradio` controls. ESP32 builds also provide local
+`get/set wifi.powersave`. Logging artifacts additionally provide session-only
+`get/set usb.logging`; turning it off suppresses live USB diagnostics without
+disabling Companion frames or terminal replies. For example:
+
+```text
+channels
+channel #rgdata Hello from Eugene 👋
+show
+show channels on
+to Hilltop Repeater
+path A1B2C3,D4E5F6
+path 7773D0 7E7662
+login my-admin-password
+cmd ver
+trace
+```
+
+The terminal `list [n]` command displays favorite contacts first and orders
+each favorite/non-favorite group by its most recent advertisement. This does
+not alter the binary Companion contact-list protocol.
+
+Unsolicited terminal output starts in a quiet mode: advertisements and
+ordinary channel messages are hidden, while `#emergency` messages remain
+visible. Use `show adverts on|off`, `show channels on|off`, and
+`show emergency on|off` to control each category independently; plain `show`
+reports their state. These runtime filters affect terminal printing only and
+reset to their defaults after reboot.
+
+The `to` command selects the remote-administration target. `path` shows its
+saved outgoing route; `path direct`, `path clear`, or a list separated by
+spaces, commas, or both changes the route used by subsequent `login`, `send`,
+and `cmd` commands. Every hop must use the same 2-, 4-, or 6-digit hexadecimal
+width. Login passwords are masked during entry and limited by the radio
+protocol to 15 UTF-8 bytes. Wait for the asynchronous login result before using
+`cmd`; command replies appear as `CLI -> from <name>` and use a response window
+of 300% of the route estimate. `DIRECT via path <hop,...>` displays the exact
+saved prefixes copied into the packet. Remote ACL permissions determine which
+commands the target accepts. The matching reply reports its round-trip time
+from local queueing through result reception, including radio transit and
+remote execution. Only one terminal `cmd` can be pending at a time.
+
+Incoming unicast replies are labeled `ROUTED`. Their exact return prefixes are
+not available at the destination because each forwarder consumes its prefix;
+use `trace` to verify the return route.
+
+With no argument, `trace` uses the current `to` recipient. A name-prefix
+argument traces that contact directly without changing the current recipient.
+The contact must already have a known direct path; results show the SNR at each
+hop, or a timeout if the round trip does not return.
+
+An explicit route can use 1-, 2-, or 4-byte hexadecimal prefixes. Spaces,
+commas, and mixed separators are accepted:
+
+```text
+trace path 1 12 34 56 34 12
+trace path 2 1234,ABCD,5678,ABCD,1234
+trace path 4 12345678, ABCDEF01 89ABCDEF, ABCDEF01,12345678
+```
+
+The entered route must include both the outward and return prefixes. Exact
+three-byte traces are not supported.
+
+Return to Binary mode with:
+
+```text
+++MESHCORE-TERM-STOP
+```
+
+Closing the USB data connection also resets the port to Binary mode. A
+different baud rate, including 57600, does not select ASCII mode.
+
+On an ESP32 Full Companion built with `OTA_FOLDER_SERIAL`, `motatool` can keep
+that terminal session open as an mOTA folder source when WiFi is unavailable:
+
+```sh
+motatool serve --serial /dev/ttyACM0 --companion-terminal --dir ./motas -v
+```
+
+The explicit flag is required because an ESP32 Companion starts the same USB
+port in binary Companion mode. TCP port 5001 remains the preferred unattended
+source transport.
+
+## nRF52 USB mOTA mode
+
+The nRF52 full target has a third, exclusive USB mode for the host folder.
+Unmodified `motatool serve --serial` already sends `ota folder on` when it
+opens the port. The Binary parser recognizes that exact idle control sequence,
+stops USB Binary traffic, and attaches the serial folder source. The sequence
+is not examined inside a framed Binary Companion packet.
+
+While mOTA mode owns USB:
+
+- mOTA manifests and blocks stream from the computer on demand.
+- USB Binary and the USB text terminal are unavailable.
+- BLE Binary Companion remains available.
+- `motatool` sending `ota folder off`, or disconnecting the USB data session,
+  detaches the folder and restores Binary mode.
+
+No manual mode token or modified `motatool` build is required.
+
+## Serve mOTA images manually
+
+First put the destination, required relays, controller, and source on the same
+bounded TempRadio tuple. The example frequency below is not legal everywhere;
+choose a legal tuple supported by every participating radio.
+
+### ESP32 source
+
+Use the local console to start TempRadio:
+
+```bash
+nc 192.168.1.50 5002
+```
+
+```text
+tempradio 909.950,250,5,5,120
+ota status
+```
+
+Then start the dedicated TCP seeder:
+
+```bash
+motatool serve --dir ./motas --tcp 192.168.1.50:5001 -v
+```
+
+### nRF52 source
+
+Use the USB terminal briefly to schedule TempRadio, then return to Binary mode
+and close the terminal:
+
+```bash
+picocom -b 115200 \
+  --imap spchex \
+  --initstring '+++MESHCORE-TERM-START' \
+  /dev/ttyACM1
+```
+
+```text
+tempradio 909.950,250,5,5,120
+++MESHCORE-TERM-STOP
+```
+
+After sending the stop token, exit `picocom` with Ctrl-A, Ctrl-X.
+
+Start the serial seeder on that same port:
+
+```bash
+motatool serve --dir ./motas --serial /dev/ttyACM1 --baud 115200 -v
+```
+
+`motatool` switches the port into mOTA mode automatically. Stop it with
+Ctrl-C to detach the folder. Reopen the terminal and use `normalradio` if the
+source should return early; otherwise the saved radio settings return when the
+bounded window expires.
+
+Both platforms intentionally refuse firmware installation commands such as:
+
+```text
+ota pull <id> flash
+ota install
+ota dev ...
+```
+
+## Script a complete update
+
+The Bash and PowerShell wrappers accept a release ZIP or ready `.mota`, set up
+TempRadio, run `motatool`, monitor the exact image, install it on the
+destination, and restore the radio path. Use a separate Companion as the
+controller.
+
+For an ESP32 full source:
+
+```bash
+export MESHCORE_ADMIN_PASSWORD='target-admin-password'
+
+./tools/lora_ota/lora_ota.sh ./release.zip "Roof Node" \
+  --controller-serial /dev/ttyACM0 \
+  --source-tcp 192.168.1.50:5001 \
+  --source-cli-tcp 192.168.1.50:5002
+```
+
+For an nRF52 full source, the script automatically detects the token-switched
+terminal and uses the same source port sequentially for control and seeding:
+
+```bash
+export MESHCORE_ADMIN_PASSWORD='target-admin-password'
+
+./tools/lora_ota/lora_ota.sh ./release.zip "Roof Node" \
+  --controller-serial /dev/ttyACM0 \
+  --source-serial /dev/ttyACM1
+```
+
+```powershell
+$env:MESHCORE_ADMIN_PASSWORD = 'target-admin-password'
+
+& .\tools\lora_ota\lora_ota.ps1 '.\release.zip' 'Roof Node' `
+  --controller-serial COM7 `
+  --source-serial COM8
+```
+
+See the [start-to-finish LoRa OTA guide](./lora_ota_automation.md) for package
+selection, nRF52 in-place deltas, relays, trust checks, and recovery behavior.
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ A list of frequently-asked questions and answers for MeshCore
    - [3.9.2. Q: **What determines a packet's path hash size?**](#392-q-what-determines-a-packets-path-hash-size)
    - [3.9.3. Q: **How do I change my companion's path hash size?**](#393-q-how-do-i-change-my-companions-path-hash-size)
    - [3.9.4. Q: **What does the CLI command `path.hash.mode` do on a repeater?**](#394-q-what-does-the-cli-command-pathhashmode-do-on-a-repeater)
-    - [3.9.5. Q: **Why use 2- or 3-byte path hash for adverts?**](#395-q-why-use-2--or-3-byte-path-hash-for-adverts)
+    - [3.9.5. Q: **Why use 2- or 3-byte path hash for adverts?**](#path-hash-size-adverts)
    - [3.9.6. Q: **When can we move away from 1-byte path hash for channel and direct messages?**](#396-q-when-can-we-move-away-from-1-byte-path-hash-for-channel-and-direct-messages)
 - [4. T-Deck Related](#4-t-deck-related)
    - [4.1. Q: Is there a user guide for T-Deck, T-Pager, T-Watch, or T-Display Pro?](#41-q-is-there-a-user-guide-for-t-deck-t-pager-t-watch-or-t-display-pro)
@@ -83,6 +83,7 @@ A list of frequently-asked questions and answers for MeshCore
    - [7.5. Q: What is the format of a contact or channel QR code?](#75-q-what-is-the-format-of-a-contact-or-channel-qr-code)
    - [7.6. Q: How do I connect to the companion via Wi-Fi, e.g. using a Heltec V3?](#76-q-how-do-i-connect-to-the-companion-via-wi-fi-eg-using-a-heltec-v3)
    - [7.7. Q: I have a Station G2, or a Heltec V4, or an Ikoka Stick, or a radio with an EByte E22-900M30S or an EByte E22-900M33S module, what should their transmit power be set to?](#77-q-i-have-a-station-g2-or-a-heltec-v4-or-an-ikoka-stick-or-a-radio-with-an-ebyte-e22-900m30s-or-an-ebyte-e22-900m33s-module-what-should-their-transmit-power-be-set-to)
+    - [7.8. Q: How do I use Ethernet with a RAK4631?](#78-q-how-do-i-use-ethernet-with-a-rak4631)

 ## 1. Introduction

@@ -93,7 +94,7 @@ MeshCore is free and open source:

 - MeshCore is the routing and firmware etc., available on GitHub under MIT license
 - There are clients made by the community, such as the web clients, these are free to use, and some are open source too
- The cross-platform mobile app developed by [Liam Cottle](https://liamcottle.net) for Android/iOS/PC etc. is free to download and use
+- The cross-platform mobile app developed by [Liam Cottle](https://liamcottle.com/) for Android/iOS/PC etc. is free to download and use
 - The T-Deck firmware is developed by Scott at Ripple Radios, the creator of MeshCore, is also free to flash on your devices and use


@@ -123,18 +124,22 @@ For an up-to-date list of supported devices, please go to <https://flasher.meshc
 To use MeshCore without using a phone as the client interface, you can run MeshCore on a LilyGo T-Deck, T-Deck Plus, T-Pager, T-Watch, or T-Display Pro. MeshCore Ultra firmware running on these devices is a complete off-grid secure communication solution.

 #### 1.2.2. Firmware
-MeshCore has four firmware types that are not available on other LoRa systems. MeshCore has the following:
+MeshCore firmware is organized by role and, for companions, by host transport.
+The main roles are Companion, Repeater, Room Server, and Sensor. The tree also
+contains specialized terminal-chat and KISS-modem builds. Availability depends
+on the board; use the flasher or that board's PlatformIO environments as the
+current source of truth.

 #### 1.2.3. Companion Radio Firmware
-Companion radios are for connecting to the Android app or web app as a messenger client. There are two different companion radio firmware versions:
-
-1. **BLE Companion**
-   BLE Companion firmware runs on a supported LoRa device and connects to a smart device running the Android or iOS MeshCore client over BLE
-   <https://meshcore.io>
-
-2. **USB Serial Companion**
-   USB Serial Companion firmware runs on a supported LoRa device and connects to a smart device or a computer over USB Serial running the MeshCore web client
-   <https://app.meshcore.nz>
+Companion radios connect MeshCore client software to LoRa. Depending on the
+board and build profile, the companion protocol can be exposed over BLE, USB
+serial, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet. Some boards also provide a Full Companion profile
+with additional local administration features. Check the exact build name and
+transport before flashing. Pending messages are held in a volatile shared queue;
+capacity depends on the platform and memory profile. See the
+[Companion offline message queue](./companion_offline_queue.md) for the exact
+defaults and limitations. See <https://meshcore.io> and the web client at
+<https://app.meshcore.nz>.

 #### 1.2.4. Repeater
 Repeaters are used to extend the range of a MeshCore network. Repeater firmware runs on the same devices that run client firmware. A repeater's job is to forward MeshCore packets to the destination device. It does **not** forward or retransmit every packet it receives, unlike other LoRa mesh systems.
@@ -184,13 +189,15 @@ The T-Deck firmware is free to download and most features are available without


 ### 2.3. Q: What frequencies are supported by MeshCore?
-**A:** It supports the 868MHz range in the UK/EU and the 915MHz range in New Zealand, Australia, and the USA. Countries and regions in these two frequency ranges are also supported.
+**A:** Supported frequencies depend on the radio hardware and the rules for the
+country in which it operates. Common MeshCore hardware covers portions of the
+433, 868, and 915 MHz ISM bands.

-Use the smartphone client or the repeater setup feature on the web flasher to set your radios' RF settings by choosing the preset for your regions.
-
-Recently, as of October 2025, many regions have moved to the "narrow" setting, aka using BW62.5 and a lower SF number (instead of the original SF11). For example, USA/Canada (Recommended) preset is 910.525MHz, SF7, BW62.5, CR5.
-
-After extensive testing, many regions have switched or about to switch over to BW62.5 and SF7, 8, or 9. Narrower bandwidth setting and lower SF setting allow MeshCore's radio signals to fit between interference in the ISM band, provide for a lower noise floor, better SNR, and faster transmissions.
+Use the current regional preset offered by the client or flasher, confirm it
+with the local MeshCore community, and comply with local frequency, bandwidth,
+duty-cycle, and power limits. Do not copy an old frequency from this FAQ.
+Narrow presets commonly use BW62.5 with a lower spreading factor; their exact
+frequency and SF are region-specific and can change as deployments coordinate.

 If you have consensus from your community in your region to update your region's preset recommendation, please post your update request on  the [#meshcore-app](https://discord.com/channels/1343693475589263471/1391681655911088241) channel on the [MeshCore Discord server ](https://meshcore.gg) to let Liam Cottle know.

@@ -283,7 +290,10 @@ Best practice is when you set up a new repeater, choose a public key that is not

 The `<number>` unit is in seconds and is incremented by 4. `set agc.reset.interval 4` works well to cure deafness.

-This is a very low-cost operation. AGC reset is done by simply setting `state = STATE_IDLE;` in function `RadioLibWrapper::resetAGC()` in `RadioLibWrappers.cpp`
+The reset is skipped while a packet is pending, being received, or being
+transmitted. When safe, `RadioLibWrapper::resetAGC()` warm-sleeps the radio,
+returns the wrapper to idle so receive mode is re-armed, reapplies the cached RX
+boost setting, and starts a fresh noise-floor calibration.


 ### 3.8. Q: How do I make my repeater an observer on the mesh?
@@ -314,19 +324,20 @@ This CLI command `path.hash.mode` *only* controls the path hash size used in a r
 Usage: `set path.hash.mode {0|1|2}`:

 ```
-┌────────────────┬───────────────────────┐
-│ path.hash.mode │ Advert path hash size │
-├────────────────┼───────────────────────┤
-│ 0              │ 1 byte (default)      │
-├────────────────┼───────────────────────┤
-│ 1              │ 2 bytes               │
-├────────────────┼───────────────────────┤
-│ 2              │ 3 bytes               │
-└────────────────┴───────────────────────┘  
+----------------+-----------------------+
+| path.hash.mode | Advert path hash size |
+----------------+-----------------------+
+| 0              | 1 byte (default)      |
+----------------+-----------------------+
+| 1              | 2 bytes               |
+----------------+-----------------------+
+| 2              | 3 bytes               |
+----------------+-----------------------+
 ```

 It is safe to set your 1.14+ repeaters to mode 1 or 2.

+<a id="path-hash-size-adverts"></a>
 ### 3.9.5. Q: **Why use 2- or 3-byte path hash for adverts?**

 A longer path hash helps tools like the LetsMesh.net Analyzer and MeshMapper disambiguate repeaters more reliably. With only 1 byte, the chance of different repeaters having the same first byte in their public key is high, making it harder to tell them apart in mesh network analysis. Since this only affects adverts, there's no downside. 2- and 3-byte adverts don't travel as far as 1-byte adverts, but it is not important for MeshCore nodes to hear a repeater's advert that is 21 or 32 hops away.
@@ -408,16 +419,26 @@ Unlock page: <https://buymeacoffee.com/ripplebiz/e/249834>
 See here for packet-type:
 <https://github.com/meshcore-dev/MeshCore/blob/main/src/Packet.h#L19>

-```
-#define PAYLOAD_TYPE_REQ 0x00 // request (prefixed with dest/src hashes, MAC) (enc data: timestamp, blob)
-#define PAYLOAD_TYPE_RESPONSE 0x01 // response to REQ or ANON_REQ (prefixed with dest/src hashes, MAC) (enc data: timestamp, blob)
-#define PAYLOAD_TYPE_TXT_MSG 0x02 // a plain text message (prefixed with dest/src hashes, MAC) (enc data: timestamp, text)
-#define PAYLOAD_TYPE_ACK 0x03 // a simple ack #define PAYLOAD_TYPE_ADVERT 0x04 // a node advertising its Identity
-#define PAYLOAD_TYPE_GRP_TXT 0x05 // an (unverified) group text message (prefixed with channel hash, MAC) (enc data: timestamp, "name: msg")
-#define PAYLOAD_TYPE_GRP_DATA 0x06 // an (unverified) group datagram (prefixed with channel hash, MAC) (enc data: data_type, data_len, blob)
-#define PAYLOAD_TYPE_ANON_REQ 0x07 // generic request (prefixed with dest_hash, ephemeral pub_key, MAC) (enc data: ...)
-#define PAYLOAD_TYPE_PATH 0x08 // returned path (prefixed with dest/src hashes, MAC) (enc data: path, extra)
-```
+| Value | Payload |
+|---|---|
+| `0x00` | Request |
+| `0x01` | Response |
+| `0x02` | Plain text message |
+| `0x03` | Acknowledgment |
+| `0x04` | Node advertisement |
+| `0x05` | Group text |
+| `0x06` | Group datagram |
+| `0x07` | Anonymous request |
+| `0x08` | Returned path |
+| `0x09` | Trace |
+| `0x0A` | Multipart |
+| `0x0B` | Control/discovery data |
+| `0x0C` | OTA-over-LoRa data |
+| `0x0D`-`0x0E` | Reserved |
+| `0x0F` | Raw custom data |
+
+See [Packet Format](packet_format.md) and [Payload Format](payloads.md) for the
+maintained descriptions.

 [Source](https://discord.com/channels/1343693475589263471/1343693475589263474/1350611321040932966)

@@ -467,14 +488,17 @@ For example, if the code rate is 5/7, for every 5 bits of useful information, th

 Making the bandwidth 2x wider (from BW125 to BW250) allows you to send 2x more bytes in the same time. Making the spreading factor 1 step lower (from SF10 to SF9) allows you to send 2x more bytes in the same time.

-Lowering the spreading factor makes it more difficult for the gateway to receive a transmission, as it will be more sensitive to noise. You could compare this to two people talking in a noisy place (a bar for example). If you’re far from each other, you have to talk slow (SF10), but if you’re close, you can talk faster (SF7)
+Lowering the spreading factor makes it more difficult for the gateway to receive a transmission, as it will be more sensitive to noise. You could compare this to two people talking in a noisy place (a bar for example). If you're far from each other, you have to talk slow (SF10), but if you're close, you can talk faster (SF7)

 So, it's a balancing act between speed of the transmission and resistance to noise.
 The Things Network is mainly focused on LoRaWAN, but the LoRa low-level stuff still checks out for any LoRa project

 ### 5.2. Q: Do MeshCore clients repeat?
-**A:** No, MeshCore clients do not repeat. This is the core of MeshCore's messaging-first design. This is to avoid devices flooding the airwaves and create endless collisions, so messages sent aren't received.
-In MeshCore, only repeaters and room servers with `set repeat on` repeat.
+**A:** Companion clients do not repeat by default. Supported builds can opt into
+bounded client repeating on permitted frequencies, and the emergency-channel
+path has a bounded delayed relay behavior. Dedicated repeaters remain the
+normal and recommended way to extend network coverage. Room servers can repeat
+when explicitly configured, but separating the roles is generally preferable.

 ### 5.3. Q: What happens when a node learns a route via a mobile repeater, and that repeater is gone?
 **A:** If you used to reach a node through a repeater and the repeater is no longer reachable, the client will send the message using the existing (but now broken) known path, the message will fail after 3 retries, and the app will reset the path and send the message as flood on the last retry by default. This can be turned off in settings. If the destination is reachable directly or through another repeater, the new path will be used going forward. Or you can set the path manually if you know a specific repeater to use to reach that destination.
@@ -524,7 +548,7 @@ Support Rastislav Vysoky (recrof)'s flasher website and the map website developm

 Build instructions for MeshCore:

-For Windows, first install WSL and Python+pip via: <https://plainenglish.io/blog/setting-up-python-on-windows-subsystem-for-linux-wsl-26510f1b2d80>
+For Windows, first install WSL and Python+pip via: <https://plainenglish.io/python/setting-up-python-on-windows-subsystem-for-linux-wsl-26510f1b2d80>

 (Linux, Windows+WSL) In the terminal/shell:
 ```
@@ -539,34 +563,32 @@ Then it should be the same for all platforms:
 python3 -m venv meshcore
 cd meshcore && source bin/activate
 pip install -U platformio
-git clone https://github.com/ripplebiz/MeshCore.git
+git clone https://github.com/meshcore-dev/MeshCore.git
 cd MeshCore
 ```
-open platformio.ini and in `[arduino_base]` edit the `LORA_FREQ=867.5`
-save, then run:
+Choose an exact environment listed by `pio project config` or in the target
+board's `variants/*/platformio.ini`. For example:
 ```
-pio run -e RAK_4631_Repeater
+pio run -e RAK_4631_repeater
 ```
-then you'll find `firmware.zip` in `.pio/build/RAK_4631_Repeater`
+The output is under `.pio/build/RAK_4631_repeater/`. Set the radio parameters to
+your current regional preset after flashing; if changing build defaults, keep
+that local change out of commits unless it is intended for every user.

 ### 5.10. Q: Are there other MeshCore related open source projects?

-**A:** [Liam Cottle](https://liamcottle.net)'s MeshCore web client and MeshCore JavaScript library are open source under MIT license.
+**A:** [Liam Cottle](https://liamcottle.com/)'s MeshCore web client and MeshCore JavaScript library are open source under MIT license.

 Web client: <https://github.com/liamcottle/meshcore-web>
-Javascript: <https://github.com/liamcottle/meshcore.js>
+JavaScript: <https://github.com/meshcore-dev/meshcore.js>

 ### 5.11. Q: Does MeshCore support ATAK?
-**A:** ATAK is not currently on MeshCore's roadmap.
-
-MeshCore would not be best suited to ATAK because MeshCore:
-
- clients do not repeat and therefore you would need a network of repeaters in place
- will not have a stable path where all clients are constantly moving between repeaters
-
-MeshCore clients would need to reset path constantly and flood traffic across the network which could lead to lots of collisions with something as chatty as ATAK.
-
-This could change in the future if MeshCore develops a client firmware that repeats.
+**A:** This repository does not ship or document an official ATAK integration.
+An external integration must account for LoRa airtime, moving endpoints, stale
+direct paths, and the collision cost of frequent flood fallback. Optional,
+bounded Companion repeating does not turn every mobile client into a dedicated
+repeater and does not remove those capacity constraints. Check current
+community projects before designing a deployment.

 [Source](https://discord.com/channels/826570251612323860/1330643963501351004/1354780032140054659)

@@ -589,47 +611,42 @@ Below are the instructions to flash firmware onto a supported LoRa device using
 For ESP-based devices (e.g. Heltec V3) you need:

 1. Download the firmware file from <https://flasher.meshcore.io>.
-    - Go to the website in a browser and find the section that has the firmware you need.
-    - Click the Download button, right-click on the file you need, for example:
-        - `Heltec_V3_companion_radio_ble-v1.7.1-165fb33.bin`
-            - Non-merged bin keeps the existing Bluetooth pairing database.
-        - `Heltec_v3_companion_radio_usb-v1.7.1-165fb33-merged.bin`
-            - Merged bin overwrites everything including the bootloader and existing Bluetooth pairing database, but keeps configurations.
-    - Right-click on the file name and copy the link. Here is an example: `https://flasher.meshcore.io/releases/download/companion-v1.7.1/Heltec_v3_companion_radio_ble-v1.7.1-165fb33.bin`
-    - Run:
-        - `wget https://flasher.meshcore.io/releases/download/companion-v1.7.1/Heltec_v3_companion_radio_ble-v1.7.1-165fb33.bin` to download the firmware file for your device type or the version you need: USB, BLE, Repeater, Room Server, merged bin or non-merged bin.
-        - If the above wget command only downloads a very small file (10K bytes instead of more than 100K byte), use this command instead:
-            - `wget --user-agent="Mozilla/5.0" --content-disposition "https://flasher.meshcore.io/releases/download/companion-v1.7.1/Heltec_v3_companion_radio_usb-v1.7.1-165fb33.bin"`
+    - Select the exact board and role. Artifact names and release URLs include a
+      changing version and commit, so copy the current download URL instead of
+      using an example URL from a guide.
+    - A non-merged application image is for an already compatible bootloader
+      and partition table. A merged image also contains low-level flash data.
+      Back up settings before either operation; do not assume a merged flash
+      preserves configuration, pairing data, or a previous partition layout.
+    - To download a copied URL from the shell, use
+      `curl -L '<copied-url>' -o <firmware>.bin`.
 2. Confirm the `ttyXXXX` device path on your Raspberry Pi.
-    - Go to the `/dev` directory and run the `ls` command to find your device path.
-    - It is usually `/dev/ttyUSB0` for ESP devices.
-3. Install esptool from the shell.
-    - `pip install esptool --break-system-packages`
+    - Run `ls /dev/ttyACM* /dev/ttyUSB* 2>/dev/null` before and after connecting
+      the board. ESP devices can appear under either name.
+3. Install esptool in a virtual environment.
+    - `python3 -m venv .venv && . .venv/bin/activate`
+    - `python -m pip install --upgrade esptool`
 4. Flash the firmware.
    - For non-merged bin:
-        - `esptool.py -p /dev/ttyUSB0 --chip esp32-s3 write_flash 0x10000 <non-merged_firmware>.bin`
+        - `python -m esptool --port /dev/ttyUSB0 --chip auto write-flash 0x10000 <non-merged-firmware>.bin`
    - For merged bin:
-        - `esptool.py -p /dev/ttyUSB0 --chip esp32-s3 write_flash 0x00000 <merged_firmware>.bin`
+        - `python -m esptool --port /dev/ttyUSB0 --chip auto write-flash 0x00000 <merged-firmware>.bin`

 **Instructions for nRF devices:**

 For nRF devices (e.g. RAK, Heltec T114) you need the following:

 1. Download the firmware file from <https://flasher.meshcore.io>.
-    - Go to the website in a browser and find the section that has the firmware you need.
-    - You need the ZIP version for the adafruit flash tool below.
-    - Click the Download button, right-click on the ZIP file, for example:
-        - `RAK_4631_companion_radio_ble-v1.7.1-165fb33.zip`
-    - Right-click on the file name and copy the link. Here is an example: `https://flasher.meshcore.io/releases/download/companion-v1.7.1/RAK_4631_companion_radio_ble-v1.7.1-165fb33.zip`
-    - Run:
-        - `wget https://flasher.meshcore.io/releases/download/companion-v1.7.1/RAK_4631_companion_radio_ble-v1.7.1-165fb33.zip` to download the firmware file for your device type or the version you need: USB, BLE, Repeater, Room Server, ZIP file only.
+    - Select the exact board and role, and download its current ZIP package.
+      Do not rename a package from another board or reuse a static versioned URL.
 2. Confirm the `ttyXXXX` device path on your Raspberry Pi.
-    - Go to the `/dev` directory and run the `ls` command to find your device path.
-    - It is usually `/dev/ttyACM0` for nRF devices.
-3. Install adafruit-nrfutil.
-    - `pip install adafruit-nrfutil --break-system-packages`
+    - Run `ls /dev/ttyACM* /dev/ttyUSB* 2>/dev/null`; nRF bootloaders commonly
+      appear as `/dev/ttyACM0`, but the number can change.
+3. In a virtual environment, install adafruit-nrfutil:
+    - `python3 -m venv .venv && . .venv/bin/activate`
+    - `python -m pip install --upgrade adafruit-nrfutil`
 4. Flash the nRF device.
-    - `adafruit-nrfutil --verbose dfu serial --package RAK_4631_companion_radio_usb-v1.7.1-165fb33.zip -p /dev/ttyACM0 -b 115200 --singlebank --touch 1200`
+    - `adafruit-nrfutil --verbose dfu serial --package <firmware-package>.zip -p /dev/ttyACM0 -b 115200 --singlebank --touch 1200`


 To manage a repeater or room server connected to a Pi over USB serial using shell commands, you need to install `picocom`. To install `picocom`, run the following command:
@@ -662,7 +679,7 @@ Both the Windows and Mac versions of the client app are fully unlocked and are f

 - The Comms Channel on YouTube: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guDoKGs02Us>
 - MeshCore Advantages by MCarper: <https://github.com/mikecarper/meshfirmware/blob/main/MeshCoreAdvantages.md>
- MeshCore vs Meshtastic by austinmesh.org: <https://www.austinmesh.org/learn/meshcore-vs-meshtastic>
+- MeshCore vs Meshtastic by austinmesh.org: <https://www.austinmesh.org/about/meshcore-vs-meshtastic/>


 ---
@@ -685,7 +702,10 @@ You can get the epoch time on <https://www.epochconverter.com> and use it to set
 **A:** Make sure that you flashed the Bluetooth companion firmware and not the USB-only companion firmware.

 ### 6.5. Q: I can't connect via Bluetooth, what is the Bluetooth pairing code?
-**A:** The default Bluetooth pairing code is `123456`
+**A:** The default Bluetooth pairing code is `123456` on builds without a
+physical display. Display-equipped Companion builds generate a six-digit PIN
+at boot and show it when a client requests pairing. The display stays awake on
+the PIN page until Bluetooth connects or the two-minute pairing window expires.

 ### 6.6. Q: My Heltec V3 keeps disconnecting from my smartphone. It can't hold a solid Bluetooth connection.
 **A:** Heltec V3 has a very small coil antenna on its PCB for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. It has a very short range, only a few feet. It is possible to remove the coil antenna and replace it with a 31mm wire. The BT range is much improved with the modification.
@@ -740,7 +760,9 @@ Allow the browser user on it:
 12. If it fails, try toggling Bluetooth on your phone. If that doesn't work, try rebooting your phone. If you keep getting failures at the "Enabling Bootloader" step, try forgetting the nRF board in your iOS or Android device's Bluetooth settings and re-pair it through the DFU app.
 13. Wait for the update to complete. It can take a few minutes.
 14. It is strongly recommended that you install and use the OTAFIX bootloader at <https://github.com/oltaco/Adafruit_nRF52_Bootloader_OTAFIX>.
-15. To update a companion node over OTA, it must be running companion firmware v1.15 or greater.
+15. A companion must be running a build that exposes `start ota`; consult the
+    current flasher release notes rather than relying on a version threshold in
+    this FAQ.
 16. Please see the MeshCore Blog for additional information on OTA firmware flashing:
    - <https://blog.meshcore.io/2026/04/06/otafix-bootloader>
    - <https://blog.meshcore.io/2026/04/02/nrf-ota-update>
@@ -756,13 +778,18 @@ After this bootloader is flashed onto the device, you can trigger an over-the-ai
 ### 7.2. Q: How to update ESP32-based devices over the air?
 **A:** For ESP32-based devices (e.g. Heltec V3):

-1. On <https://flasher.meshcore.io>, download the **non-merged** version of the firmware for your ESP32 device (e.g. `Heltec_v3_repeater-v1.6.2-4449fd3.bin`, no `"merged"` in the file name).
+1. On <https://flasher.meshcore.io>, download the current **non-merged**
+   application image for the exact ESP32 board and role (no `merged` in the
+   filename).
 2. From the MeshCore app, log in remotely to the repeater you want to update with admin privileges.
 3. Go to the Command Line tab, type `start ota` and hit enter.
 4. You should see `OK` to confirm the repeater device is now in OTA mode.
-5. The command `start ota` on an ESP32-based device starts a Wi-Fi hotspot named `MeshCore OTA`.
-6. From your phone or computer connect to the 'MeshCore OTA' hotspot.
-7. From a browser, go to <http://192.168.4.1/update> and upload the non-merged bin from the flasher.
+5. If the ESP32 is not already joined to Wi-Fi, `start ota` starts an open hotspot named `MeshCore-OTA` at `192.168.4.1`. If it is already joined, the command reports and uses its router-assigned address instead.
+6. From your phone or computer, connect to the `MeshCore-OTA` hotspot when one was started.
+7. Open the URL reported by `start ota` and upload the non-merged bin from the flasher. When the device started `MeshCore-OTA`, the URL is <http://192.168.4.1/update>.
+
+On an MQTT observer, stop WebConfig before running `start ota`; both servers use
+HTTP port 80. Likewise, stop the OTA uploader before running `start webconfig`.


 ### 7.3. Q: Is there a way to lower the chance of a failed OTA device firmware update (DFU)?
@@ -772,14 +799,18 @@ Refer to <https://github.com/oltaco/Adafruit_nRF52_Bootloader_OTAFIX> for the la

 Currently, the following boards are supported:

+- Elecrow ThinkNode M1, M3, and M6
 - Heltec Automation Mesh Node T114 / HT-nRF5262
+- LilyGO T-Echo
+- Minewsemi MX25LE01
 - Nologo ProMicro NRF52840 (aka SuperMini NRF52840)
+- RAK4631
+- RAK WisMesh Tag
 - Seeed Studio SenseCAP Card Tracker T1000-E
+- Seeed Studio SenseCAP Solar Node P1
 - Seeed Studio Wio Tracker L1
 - Seeed Studio XIAO nRF52840 BLE
 - Seeed Studio XIAO nRF52840 BLE SENSE
- RAK 4631
- RAK WisMesh Tag (new 28/11/2025)

 ### 7.4. Q: Are the MeshCore logo and font available?
 **A:** Yes, it is on the MeshCore GitHub repo here: <https://github.com/meshcore-dev/MeshCore/tree/main/logo>
@@ -800,18 +831,41 @@ Where `&type` is:

 ### 7.6. Q: How do I connect to the companion via Wi-Fi, e.g. using a Heltec V3?
 **A:**
-Wi-Fi firmware requires you to compile it yourself, as you need to set the Wi-Fi SSID and password.
-Edit WIFI_SSID and WIFI_PWD in `./variants/heltec_v3/platformio.ini` and then flash it to your device.
+Flash an ESP32 companion Wi-Fi build. Its shared WebUI is enabled by default. If
+it has no saved Wi-Fi configuration, it starts an open `MeshCore-Setup-XXXX`
+access point. Join it and browse to <http://192.168.4.1/>. The wizard configures
+WiFi, node identity, and radio settings; MQTT companion builds add an MQTT step
+and MQTT tab, while non-MQTT companions remove those controls. After saving,
+the page and device screen show the station IP assigned by your router.
+
+If a saved network remains unreachable for two minutes, the setup AP starts as
+a fallback. If the original network returns, the companion closes that recovery
+portal and resumes normal LAN operation.
+
+The setup AP always uses `192.168.4.1`; the companion's station IP is assigned by DHCP and can be different. A real `WIFI_SSID` and `WIFI_PWD` can still be supplied at compile time as initial defaults, but they are no longer required.
+
+On the LAN, the WebUI remains available at the companion's station IP and the
+companion protocol remains available on TCP port `5000`. Companion builds do not
+have an admin CLI password, so this configuration page trusts the local LAN; do
+not put the companion on an untrusted WiFi network.
+
+ESP32 repeater and room-server builds use the same page, but keep it off by
+default. Run `set webui on` from the admin CLI, open the reported LAN URL, and
+sign in with the admin password; `get webui` reports its current address. Their
+MQTT observer variants expose the MQTT controls, while ordinary builds do not.
+The two 4 MB
+`LilyGo_TLora_V2_1_1_6_*_observer_mqtt` builds retain CLI-only configuration so
+their flash can keep two app slots for LoRa OTA.

 ### 7.7. Q: I have a Station G2, or a Heltec V4, or an Ikoka Stick, or a radio with an EByte E22-900M30S or an EByte E22-900M33S module, what should their transmit power be set to?
 **A:**
 For companion radios, you can set these radios' transmit power in the smartphone app. For repeater and room server radios, you can set their transmit power using the command line command `set tx`. You can get their current value using command line command `get tx`

-⚠️ **WARNING: Set these values at your own risk. Incorrect power settings can permanently damage your radio hardware.**
+[WARN] **WARNING: Set these values at your own risk. Incorrect power settings can permanently damage your radio hardware.**

 | Device / Model                                                                     | Region / Description                | In-App Setting (dBm) | Target Radio Output    | Notes                                                                                                                                          |
 |:-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|:------------------------------------|:---------------------|:-----------------------|:-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
-| **Station G2** <br> [Reference](https://wiki.uniteng.com/en/meshtastic/station-g2) | US915 Max Output                    | 19 dBm               | 36.5 dBm (4.46W)       |                                                                                                                                                |
+| **Station G2** <br> [Reference](https://wiki.bqvoy.com/en/meshtastic/station-g2) | US915 Max Output                    | 19 dBm               | 36.5 dBm (4.46W)       |                                                                                                                                                |
 |                                                                                    | US915 Max at 1dB compression point  | 16 dBm               | 35 dBm (3.16W)         | 1dB compression point                                                                                                                          |
 |                                                                                    | EU868  Max at 1dB compression point | 15 dBm               | 34.5 dBm (2.82W)       | 1dB compression point                                                                                                                          |
 |                                                                                    | US915 1W Output                     | 10 dBm               | 1W                     | Refer to your local government's requirements                                                                                                  | 
@@ -820,3 +874,29 @@ For companion radios, you can set these radios' transmit power in the smartphone
 | **Ikoka Stick E22-900M33S**                                                        | 2W Model                            | 9 dBm                | 2W                     | **DO NOT EXCEED** (Risk of burn out) [data sheet](https://www.cdebyte.com/pdf-down.aspx?id=4216) Refer to your local government's requirements |
 | **Heltec V4**                                                                      | Standard Output                     | 10 dBm               | 22 dBm (~0.15W)        |                                                                                                                                                |
 |                                                                                    | High Output                         | 22 dBm               | 28 dBm (~0.5W to 0.6W) |                                                                                                                                                |
+
+---
+
+### 7.8. Q: How do I use Ethernet with a RAK4631?
+ **A:**
+MeshCore supports Ethernet on RAK4631 boards using the [RAK13800](https://docs.rakwireless.com/product-categories/wisblock/rak13800/datasheet/) WisBlock Ethernet module (based on the W5100S chip).
+
+**Hardware required:**
+- RAK4631 WisBlock Core
+- RAK19007 or RAK19018 WisBlock Base Board (with an available IO slot)
+- RAK13800 WisBlock Ethernet module
+- Ethernet cable connected to a network with a DHCP server
+
+**Firmware:**
+Flash one of the Ethernet-enabled firmware variants:
+- `RAK_4631_repeater_ethernet` - Repeater with Ethernet CLI access
+- `RAK_4631_room_server_ethernet` - Room server with Ethernet CLI access
+- `RAK_4631_companion_radio_ethernet` - Companion radio over Ethernet (replaces BLE)
+
+**Connecting:**
+- The device obtains an IP address via DHCP automatically on boot.
+- For repeaters and room servers, connect to the device on TCP port 23 using any TCP client (e.g. `nc <ip> 23` or PuTTY in raw mode). This gives you the same CLI available over serial/USB.
+- For companion radio firmware, the Ethernet interface replaces BLE as the transport to companion apps. Connect on TCP port 5000 (same as the WiFi companion radio).
+- Use the `eth.status` CLI command to check connection status and see the assigned IP address.
+
+---
@@ -0,0 +1,643 @@
+# Filter policy playground
+
+Build a forwarding policy, see its readable definition, and simulate how a
+repeater handles a packet. Rules match received packet facts, then apply actions
+such as dropping, scoping, rate-limiting, or retrying a flood.
+
+Everything runs locally in this browser. Channel keys, packet facts, and policy
+drafts are not uploaded anywhere.
+
+<div class="filter-design-warning" role="note">
+  <strong>Policy design preview</strong>
+  <p>
+    The phases and core conditions model current FPF7 behavior, including its
+    forward rows, scope rewrites, and shared blacklist. The readable policy
+    language, JSON, and Base64 bundle are still a prototype: current firmware
+    is configured with <code>set flood.*</code> commands and cannot install a
+    bundle from this page.
+  </p>
+</div>
+
+## Build a policy
+
+Start with an example or build a rule, then test the draft against packet facts
+in the simulator below. The examples draw from
+[Flood Filtering and Moderation](flood_filtering.md).
+
+<div class="filter-tool" data-filter-tool>
+  <div class="filter-management-safety" role="note">
+    <strong>Remote login and direct routes</strong>
+    <p>
+      This policy only decides whether a relay retransmits a flood. Direct
+      packets and local delivery are unaffected. Rules matching the login/admin
+      family can still reduce multi-hop remote-login reach, so the analyzer
+      flags them.
+    </p>
+  </div>
+  <div class="filter-tool-toolbar" aria-label="Policy examples">
+    <div class="filter-example-heading">
+      <strong>Example policies</strong>
+      <span>Choose one to load its full rules into the builder and draft.</span>
+    </div>
+    <div class="filter-example-primer" role="note">
+      <p>
+        Read each summary as <code>when</code> all conditions match,
+        <code>do</code> the actions. A match alone does not stop forwarding.
+      </p>
+      <div class="filter-primer-tables">
+        <table class="filter-primer-table">
+          <caption>Payload selectors</caption>
+          <thead>
+            <tr><th><code>type=</code> value</th><th>Matches</th></tr>
+          </thead>
+          <tbody>
+            <tr><td><a href="#payload-type-reference"><code>grp_data</code></a></td><td>Only the named payload type; see every exact type below</td></tr>
+            <tr><td><code>any</code></td><td>Every payload type</td></tr>
+            <tr><td><code>class:group</code></td><td>GRP_TXT and GRP_DATA</td></tr>
+            <tr><td><code>class:login</code></td><td>REQ, RESPONSE, TXT_MSG, ANON_REQ, and PATH</td></tr>
+            <tr><td><code>class:other</code></td><td>Every remaining payload type that is not group or login</td></tr>
+          </tbody>
+        </table>
+        <table class="filter-primer-table">
+          <caption>Other conditions and actions</caption>
+          <thead>
+            <tr><th>Field</th><th>Meaning</th></tr>
+          </thead>
+          <tbody>
+            <tr><td><code>hops=</code></td><td>Received hop count: <code>all</code>, <code>3+</code>, <code>2-6</code>, or <code>3</code></td></tr>
+            <tr><td><code>channel=</code></td><td><code>*</code> means no channel condition; a name or key authenticates one group channel</td></tr>
+            <tr><td><code>rx.scope=</code></td><td>Original incoming transport scope</td></tr>
+            <tr><td><code>path=</code></td><td>Path prefix, blacklist, bucket, or loop match</td></tr>
+            <tr><td><code>tempradio=</code></td><td>Temporary-radio state</td></tr>
+            <tr><td><code>do drop</code></td><td>Do not retransmit</td></tr>
+            <tr><td><code>do scope=</code></td><td>Set the outgoing transport scope</td></tr>
+            <tr><td><code>do rate=</code></td><td>Apply a per-minute rate and burst</td></tr>
+            <tr><td><code>do timing=</code></td><td>Select fast, normal, or slow scheduling</td></tr>
+          </tbody>
+        </table>
+      </div>
+      <p class="filter-primer-note">
+        There is no <code>class:txt</code>. Use <code>type=grp_txt</code> for
+        channel text or <code>type=txt_msg</code> for peer text.
+      </p>
+    </div>
+    <div class="filter-example-grid">
+      <button type="button" data-example="channel_scope">
+        <span>Set #BlackHole86 scope on all #rgdata group traffic</span>
+        <code>when type=class:group hops=all channel=#rgdata do scope=#BlackHole86 timing=fast</code>
+      </button>
+      <button type="button" data-example="blackhole">
+        <span>Add #BlackHole86 scope to unscoped #rgdata data</span>
+        <code>when type=grp_data hops=all channel=#rgdata rx.scope=none do scope=#BlackHole86 timing=fast</code>
+      </button>
+      <button type="button" data-example="scope_rewrite">
+        <span>Replace #usa with #BlackHole86 on #rgdata data</span>
+        <code>when type=grp_data hops=all channel=#rgdata rx.scope=scope:usa do scope=#BlackHole86 timing=fast</code>
+      </button>
+      <button type="button" data-example="prefix_rate">
+        <span>Rate-limit packets whose path starts with 860C</span>
+        <code>when type=any hops=all path=prefix:860C do rate=10/min burst=10</code>
+      </button>
+      <button type="button" data-example="high_traffic">
+        <span>Drop selected flood types at their hop limits</span>
+        <code>when type=control hops=1+ do drop<br>when type=req hops=3+ do drop; same for type=grp_data<br>when type=response hops=9+ do drop; same for type=anon_req and type=path</code>
+      </button>
+      <button type="button" data-example="moderation">
+        <span>Rate-limit Public messages from “Noisy User”</span>
+        <code>when type=grp_txt hops=all channel=public sender="Noisy User" do rate=5/min burst=5</code>
+      </button>
+      <button type="button" data-example="blacklist">
+        <span>Stop forwarding traffic from blacklisted internet gateways</span>
+        <code>when type=any hops=all path=blacklist do drop</code>
+      </button>
+      <button type="button" data-example="factory">
+        <span>Drop OTA outside temporary-radio mode and distant #wardriving</span>
+        <code>when type=ota hops=all tempradio=inactive do drop<br>when type=any channel=#wardriving hops=5+ do drop</code>
+      </button>
+      <button type="button" data-example="wildcards">
+        <span>Set #BlackHole86 scope on login and bucket-matched other traffic</span>
+        <code>when type=class:login hops=all do scope=#BlackHole86 timing=fast<br>when type=class:other hops=all path=bucket:2 do scope=#BlackHole86 timing=slow</code>
+      </button>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+
+  <div class="filter-tool-grid">
+    <section class="filter-panel filter-builder" aria-labelledby="filter-builder-title">
+      <div class="filter-panel-heading">
+        <div>
+          <p class="filter-eyebrow">Rule builder</p>
+          <h2 id="filter-builder-title">Create a policy rule</h2>
+        </div>
+        <button type="button" data-role="reset-form">Reset form</button>
+      </div>
+
+      <h3>Common match settings</h3>
+      <div class="filter-form-grid">
+        <label>
+          Payload type or class
+          <select data-field="type">
+            <option value="any">Any payload type</option>
+            <option value="class:group">Class: group text and data</option>
+            <option value="class:login">Class: login/admin family</option>
+            <option value="class:other">Class: every other payload</option>
+            <option value="req">REQ</option>
+            <option value="response">RESPONSE</option>
+            <option value="txt_msg">TXT_MSG</option>
+            <option value="ack">ACK</option>
+            <option value="advert">ADVERT</option>
+            <option value="grp_txt">GRP_TXT</option>
+            <option value="grp_data">GRP_DATA</option>
+            <option value="anon_req">ANON_REQ</option>
+            <option value="path">PATH</option>
+            <option value="trace">TRACE</option>
+            <option value="multipart">MULTIPART</option>
+            <option value="control">CONTROL</option>
+            <option value="ota">OTA</option>
+            <option value="13">Reserved type 13</option>
+            <option value="14">Reserved type 14</option>
+            <option value="raw_custom">RAW_CUSTOM</option>
+          </select>
+        </label>
+        <label>
+          Received hops
+          <input data-field="hops" value="all" placeholder="all, 5+, 2-6, or 3">
+        </label>
+        <label>
+          Channel (optional)
+          <input data-field="channel" placeholder="*, #rgdata, public, or key">
+        </label>
+        <label>
+          Original incoming scope
+          <input data-field="incoming" list="policy-incoming-options" value="any" placeholder="any">
+          <datalist id="policy-incoming-options">
+            <option value="any"></option>
+            <option value="none"></option>
+            <option value="scoped"></option>
+            <option value="allowed"></option>
+            <option value="unknown"></option>
+            <option value="scope:usa"></option>
+            <option value="region:west"></option>
+          </datalist>
+        </label>
+        <label>
+          Path matcher
+          <select data-field="path-kind">
+            <option value="none">No path condition</option>
+            <option value="prefix">Ordered 1/2/3-byte pbyte prefix</option>
+            <option value="blacklist">Passive blacklist</option>
+            <option value="bucket:1">Path bucket 1</option>
+            <option value="bucket:2">Path bucket 2</option>
+            <option value="bucket:3">Path bucket 3</option>
+            <option value="bucket:4">Path bucket 4</option>
+            <option value="bucket:5">Path bucket 5</option>
+            <option value="bucket:6">Path bucket 6</option>
+            <option value="loop:strict">Own-ID loop: strict</option>
+            <option value="loop:moderate">Own-ID loop: moderate</option>
+            <option value="loop:minimal">Own-ID loop: minimal</option>
+          </select>
+        </label>
+        <label>
+          Ordered pbyte prefix
+          <input data-field="path-prefix" placeholder="86, 860C, or 860C,12A4">
+        </label>
+        <label>
+          Decrypted sender (optional)
+          <input data-field="sender" maxlength="31" placeholder="Noisy User">
+        </label>
+        <label>
+          Temporary-radio state
+          <select data-field="temp-radio">
+            <option value="any">Either state</option>
+            <option value="inactive">Inactive</option>
+            <option value="active">Active</option>
+          </select>
+        </label>
+      </div>
+
+      <h3>Common actions</h3>
+      <p class="filter-field-help">
+        Choosing a phase-specific action automatically selects a compatible
+        phase and ACL owner. Open the advanced section to inspect or override
+        those choices.
+      </p>
+      <div class="filter-form-grid">
+        <label>
+          Forwarding verdict
+          <select data-field="verdict">
+            <option value="continue">No verdict change</option>
+            <option value="drop">Drop / do not retransmit</option>
+          </select>
+        </label>
+        <label>
+          Region-gate decision
+          <select data-field="scope-gate">
+            <option value="unchanged">Leave global gate unchanged</option>
+            <option value="require_allowed">Require original allowed region</option>
+            <option value="bypass_global">Bypass global gate for this packet</option>
+          </select>
+        </label>
+        <label>
+          Scope rewrite target
+          <select data-field="target-kind">
+            <option value="none">Do not rewrite scope</option>
+            <option value="scope">Regionless public scope</option>
+            <option value="region">Configured region</option>
+          </select>
+        </label>
+        <label>
+          Target name
+          <input data-field="target" placeholder="BlackHole86">
+        </label>
+        <label>
+          Token rate per minute (optional)
+          <input data-field="rate" type="number" min="1" max="65534" inputmode="numeric" placeholder="unlimited">
+        </label>
+        <label>
+          Burst tokens
+          <input data-field="burst" type="number" min="1" max="65534" inputmode="numeric" placeholder="defaults to rate">
+        </label>
+        <label>
+          Rewrite timing
+          <select data-field="timing">
+            <option value="inherit">Inherit normal behavior</option>
+            <option value="fast">Fast-track rewrite</option>
+            <option value="normal">Normal queue timing</option>
+            <option value="slow">Slow receive/transmit timing</option>
+          </select>
+        </label>
+        <label>
+          Queue priority
+          <select data-field="queue">
+            <option value="inherit">Inherit</option>
+            <option value="high">High</option>
+            <option value="normal">Normal</option>
+            <option value="low">Low</option>
+          </select>
+        </label>
+        <label>
+          Retry path bucket
+          <select data-field="retry-bucket">
+            <option value="none">No retry action</option>
+            <option value="bucket:1">Bucket 1</option>
+            <option value="bucket:2">Bucket 2</option>
+            <option value="bucket:3">Bucket 3</option>
+            <option value="bucket:4">Bucket 4</option>
+            <option value="bucket:5">Bucket 5</option>
+            <option value="bucket:6">Bucket 6</option>
+          </select>
+        </label>
+        <label>
+          Retry attempts
+          <input data-field="retry-attempts" type="number" min="1" max="10" inputmode="numeric" placeholder="1">
+        </label>
+        <label>
+          Decision tag (optional)
+          <input data-field="tag" maxlength="24" placeholder="blackhole-ingress">
+        </label>
+      </div>
+
+      <details class="filter-advanced">
+        <summary>Advanced execution, ownership, and flood route</summary>
+        <p class="filter-field-help">
+          Direct packets already carry a supplied path and are intentionally
+          outside this engine. The route condition below only distinguishes
+          unscoped floods from transport-scoped floods.
+        </p>
+        <div class="filter-form-grid">
+          <label>
+            Stable rule ID
+            <input data-field="id" value="rule-1" maxlength="32" placeholder="blackhole-rewrite">
+          </label>
+          <label>
+            Processing phase
+            <select data-field="phase">
+              <option value="scope_gate">1 - Incoming scope gate</option>
+              <option value="rewrite">2 - Scope rewrite</option>
+              <option value="forward">3 - Forwarding decision</option>
+              <option value="content">4 - Decrypted content</option>
+              <option value="schedule">5 - Scheduling and retry</option>
+            </select>
+          </label>
+          <label>
+            Rule owner / capability
+            <select data-field="owner">
+              <option value="scope">ACL 4 - Region/scope manager</option>
+              <option value="filter">ACL 5 - Filter manager</option>
+              <option value="admin">Administrator</option>
+              <option value="system">Firmware-managed system rule</option>
+            </select>
+          </label>
+          <label>
+            Priority
+            <input data-field="priority" type="number" min="0" max="255" inputmode="numeric" value="100">
+          </label>
+          <label>
+            Mode
+            <select data-field="mode">
+              <option value="active">Active</option>
+              <option value="shadow">Shadow - observe only</option>
+              <option value="disabled">Disabled</option>
+            </select>
+          </label>
+          <label>
+            Rule processing after a match
+            <select data-field="stop">
+              <option value="none">Continue to later rules</option>
+              <option value="phase">Skip later rules in this phase</option>
+              <option value="policy">Skip all later policy rules</option>
+            </select>
+          </label>
+          <label>
+            Flood route
+            <select data-field="route">
+              <option value="flood">Either flood route</option>
+              <option value="unscoped_flood">Unscoped flood only</option>
+              <option value="scoped_flood">Transport-scoped flood only</option>
+            </select>
+          </label>
+        </div>
+      </details>
+
+      <div class="filter-live-preview">
+        <div>
+          <span class="filter-preview-label">Readable policy definition</span>
+          <code data-role="live-command"></code>
+        </div>
+        <p data-role="live-explanation"></p>
+        <ul class="filter-inline-warnings" data-role="live-warnings" hidden></ul>
+      </div>
+
+      <div class="filter-builder-actions">
+        <button class="filter-primary-action" type="button" data-role="save-rule">Add rule to policy</button>
+        <button type="button" data-role="copy-live">Copy definition</button>
+      </div>
+    </section>
+
+    <section class="filter-panel filter-policy" aria-labelledby="filter-policy-title">
+      <div class="filter-panel-heading">
+        <div>
+          <p class="filter-eyebrow">Policy draft</p>
+          <h2 id="filter-policy-title">Rules in execution order</h2>
+        </div>
+        <button type="button" data-role="clear-policy">Clear policy</button>
+      </div>
+      <div class="filter-policy-target">
+        <label>
+          Approximate target budget
+          <select data-role="target-profile">
+            <option value="stm32">Compact STM32 - 2 KB</option>
+            <option value="nrf52" selected>nRF52 - 8 KB</option>
+            <option value="esp32">Classic ESP32 - 16 KB</option>
+            <option value="esp32_roomy">Roomy ESP32 - 64 KB</option>
+          </select>
+        </label>
+      </div>
+      <p class="filter-field-help">
+        Rules match the same immutable packet facts. Ordering is phase, then
+        descending priority, then stable rule ID. Drop decisions are sticky.
+      </p>
+      <div class="filter-empty-state" data-role="empty-policy">
+        Add a rule or load an example to start exploring.
+      </div>
+      <ol class="filter-rule-list" data-role="rule-list"></ol>
+      <div class="filter-policy-summary" data-role="policy-summary"></div>
+      <ul class="filter-inline-warnings" data-role="policy-warnings" hidden></ul>
+    </section>
+  </div>
+
+  <section class="filter-panel filter-simulator" aria-labelledby="filter-simulator-title">
+    <div class="filter-panel-heading">
+      <div>
+        <p class="filter-eyebrow">Immutable packet simulator</p>
+        <h2 id="filter-simulator-title">Explain an evaluation</h2>
+      </div>
+      <button type="button" data-role="reset-packet">Reset packet</button>
+    </div>
+    <div class="filter-packet-reader">
+      <div class="filter-packet-reader-heading">
+        <div>
+          <h3>Read a raw MeshCore packet</h3>
+          <p class="filter-field-help">
+            Paste an on-air packet as hexadecimal. The decoder follows the
+            <a href="../packet_format/">MeshCore wire format</a>, displays its
+            header, route, pbyte path, and clear payload envelope, then loads
+            only facts actually present on the wire into the simulator.
+          </p>
+        </div>
+        <span>Runs locally</span>
+      </div>
+      <label>
+        Raw packet hex
+        <textarea data-role="raw-packet-input" rows="3" spellcheck="false">014e912ceebb98918b86772df5dacf1bcba9e4127ffffaa8665596aa3e2903a3b1901fdc53497dfca6b5d7df2d771bea68de</textarea>
+      </label>
+      <div class="filter-builder-actions">
+        <button class="filter-primary-action" type="button" data-role="decode-packet">Decode and load packet</button>
+      </div>
+      <div class="filter-error" data-role="packet-decode-error" role="alert" hidden></div>
+      <div class="filter-packet-decode" data-role="packet-decode-result" aria-live="polite" hidden></div>
+    </div>
+    <div class="filter-form-grid filter-simulator-facts">
+      <label>
+        Received route
+        <select data-packet="route">
+          <option value="unscoped_flood">Unscoped flood</option>
+          <option value="scoped_flood">Transport-scoped flood</option>
+        </select>
+      </label>
+      <label>
+        Payload type
+        <select data-packet="type">
+          <option value="req">REQ</option>
+          <option value="response">RESPONSE</option>
+          <option value="txt_msg">TXT_MSG</option>
+          <option value="ack">ACK</option>
+          <option value="advert">ADVERT</option>
+          <option value="grp_txt">GRP_TXT</option>
+          <option value="grp_data" selected>GRP_DATA</option>
+          <option value="anon_req">ANON_REQ</option>
+          <option value="path">PATH</option>
+          <option value="trace">TRACE</option>
+          <option value="multipart">MULTIPART</option>
+          <option value="control">CONTROL</option>
+          <option value="ota">OTA</option>
+          <option value="13">Reserved type 13</option>
+          <option value="14">Reserved type 14</option>
+          <option value="raw_custom">RAW_CUSTOM</option>
+        </select>
+      </label>
+      <label>
+        Received hops
+        <input data-packet="hops" type="number" min="0" max="63" inputmode="numeric" value="4">
+      </label>
+      <label>
+        Channel
+        <input data-packet="channel" value="#rgdata" placeholder="blank if none">
+      </label>
+      <label>
+        Received pbyte path
+        <input data-packet="path" value="860C,12A4" placeholder="same-width IDs">
+      </label>
+      <label>
+        Original scope status
+        <select data-packet="scope-status">
+          <option value="none">Unscoped</option>
+          <option value="allowed">Allowed region</option>
+          <option value="unknown">Unknown or denied scope</option>
+        </select>
+      </label>
+      <label>
+        Original scope name
+        <input data-packet="scope-name" placeholder="usa">
+      </label>
+      <label>
+        Resolved region name
+        <input data-packet="region-name" placeholder="west">
+      </label>
+      <label>
+        Decrypted sender
+        <input data-packet="sender" placeholder="Noisy User">
+      </label>
+      <label>
+        Passive blacklist result
+        <select data-packet="blacklist">
+          <option value="no">No match</option>
+          <option value="yes">Matched</option>
+        </select>
+      </label>
+      <label>
+        Matching path buckets
+        <input data-packet="buckets" placeholder="1,3,6">
+      </label>
+      <label>
+        Own-ID loop result
+        <select data-packet="loop-level">
+          <option value="0">No loop match</option>
+          <option value="1">Strict only</option>
+          <option value="2">Moderate and strict</option>
+          <option value="3">Minimal, moderate, and strict</option>
+        </select>
+      </label>
+      <label class="filter-simulator-check">
+        <input data-packet="temp-radio" type="checkbox">
+        Temporary radio is active
+      </label>
+    </div>
+    <div class="filter-builder-actions">
+      <button class="filter-primary-action" type="button" data-role="simulate">Run policy simulation</button>
+    </div>
+    <div class="filter-error" data-role="simulation-error" role="alert" hidden></div>
+    <div class="filter-decision" data-role="simulation-result" hidden></div>
+  </section>
+
+  <section class="filter-panel filter-import" aria-labelledby="filter-import-title">
+    <div class="filter-panel-heading">
+      <div>
+        <p class="filter-eyebrow">Import and explain</p>
+        <h2 id="filter-import-title">Paste readable policy or a saved draft</h2>
+      </div>
+    </div>
+    <p class="filter-field-help">
+      Accepts one-line <code>policy set ... when ... do ...</code> definitions,
+      playground JSON, or a playground Base64 bundle.
+    </p>
+    <textarea data-role="import-input" spellcheck="false" placeholder="policy set rgdata-scope phase=rewrite owner=scope priority=150 when route=flood type=grp_data hops=all channel=#rgdata rx.scope=none do scope=#BlackHole86 timing=fast"></textarea>
+    <div class="filter-builder-actions">
+      <button class="filter-primary-action" type="button" data-role="explain-input">Explain input</button>
+      <button type="button" data-role="load-input">Load into builder</button>
+    </div>
+    <div class="filter-error" data-role="import-error" role="alert" hidden></div>
+    <div class="filter-explain-results" data-role="explain-results" hidden></div>
+  </section>
+
+  <section class="filter-panel filter-export" aria-labelledby="filter-export-title">
+    <div class="filter-panel-heading">
+      <div>
+        <p class="filter-eyebrow">Export</p>
+        <h2 id="filter-export-title">Move or save this design</h2>
+      </div>
+    </div>
+    <div class="filter-export-tabs" role="tablist" aria-label="Policy export format">
+      <button type="button" data-export-tab="dsl" aria-selected="true">Readable policy</button>
+      <button type="button" data-export-tab="json" aria-selected="false">Policy JSON</button>
+      <button type="button" data-export-tab="bundle" aria-selected="false">Playground Base64</button>
+    </div>
+    <div data-export-panel="dsl">
+      <p class="filter-field-help">Proposed human-readable definition. Current firmware does not accept it yet.</p>
+      <textarea data-role="export-dsl" readonly spellcheck="false"></textarea>
+    </div>
+    <div data-export-panel="json" hidden>
+      <p class="filter-field-help">Structured draft used by this page.</p>
+      <textarea data-role="export-json" readonly spellcheck="false"></textarea>
+    </div>
+    <div data-export-panel="bundle" hidden>
+      <p class="filter-field-help">Browser-playground interchange only. It is not the final packed firmware codec.</p>
+      <textarea data-role="export-bundle" readonly spellcheck="false"></textarea>
+    </div>
+    <div class="filter-builder-actions">
+      <button type="button" data-role="copy-export">Copy visible export</button>
+      <button type="button" data-role="download-json">Download JSON</button>
+    </div>
+  </section>
+</div>
+
+## Payload type reference
+
+Use an exact `type=` value when a rule should match only one payload type.
+The class column shows which broader selector also matches it.
+
+| `type=` value | Payload | Class |
+| --- | --- | --- |
+| `req` | Request | `class:login` |
+| `response` | Response | `class:login` |
+| `txt_msg` | Peer text message | `class:login` |
+| `ack` | Acknowledgment | `class:other` |
+| `advert` | Node advertisement | `class:other` |
+| `grp_txt` | Group-channel text | `class:group` |
+| `grp_data` | Group-channel datagram | `class:group` |
+| `anon_req` | Anonymous request | `class:login` |
+| `path` | Returned path | `class:login` |
+| `trace` | Path trace | `class:other` |
+| `multipart` | One frame in a multipart sequence | `class:other` |
+| `control` | Control or discovery data | `class:other` |
+| `ota` | OTA-over-LoRa data | `class:other` |
+| `13` | Reserved payload type 13 | `class:other` |
+| `14` | Reserved payload type 14 | `class:other` |
+| `raw_custom` | Application-defined raw data | `class:other` |
+
+## Current FPF7 command mapping
+
+| Firmware command | FPF7 role |
+| --- | --- |
+| `flood.rule` / `flood.filter` | Forward-phase match and action rows |
+| `flood.channel.data` | Compatibility view over one visible `type=grp_data` forward drop row |
+| `flood.channel.scope` | Scope-rewrite phase rows |
+| `flood.filter.blacklist` | One shared unordered path-ID set referenced by `path=blacklist` rows |
+
+Generalized repeaters expose 63 forward rows and commit those sections
+together. The blacklist is useful
+for refusing to retransmit floods associated with internet gateways dumping
+bulk traffic, but a path ID is truncated and unauthenticated; it identifies a
+routing pattern, not a person.
+
+## Proposed evaluation contract
+
+The simulator uses these rules:
+
+1. Only flood retransmission enters the policy. Direct routing and local packet
+   delivery remain outside it.
+2. Every matcher reads the same immutable receive-time packet facts.
+3. Rules run by phase, descending priority, then stable rule ID.
+4. A drop decision is sticky and cannot be undone by a later rule.
+5. The first matching scope, timing, queue, and retry action in execution order
+   wins.
+6. All matching token-bucket rate constraints remain attached to the decision.
+7. `stop=phase` skips later rules in that phase. `stop=policy` skips later
+   configurable rules, but never mandatory packet validation or radio safety.
+8. Shadow rules report what they would do without changing the decision or
+   stopping other rules.
+9. Expensive facts such as channel-key matching, decryption, and path-table
+   lookup are resolved once per packet and reused by every matching rule.
+
+The byte-budget display is deliberately approximate until the packed firmware
+codec exists. It demonstrates why simple mappings should not reserve a maximum-
+sized structure for every possible condition and action.
@@ -0,0 +1,817 @@
+# Flood Filtering and Moderation
+
+This guide explains the Keymind forwarding filters. Repeaters expose the full
+set of channel, rule, blacklist, and moderation controls described here.
+FULL-profile ESP32 room servers expose the generalized `flood.rule` table (and
+its `flood.filter` alias) with 31 forward-rule slots, but not the repeater's
+scope-rewrite, passive-blacklist, or text-moderation phases. Standard room-server profiles do
+not compile the rule table. Filters decide whether the node retransmits a
+packet and can assign a transport scope before that decision. They do not stop
+local reception, packet logging, or MQTT observation.
+
+Only flood routes are filtered:
+
+- `0x00` / `ROUTE_TYPE_TRANSPORT_FLOOD` - flood routing with transport codes
+- `0x01` / `ROUTE_TYPE_FLOOD` - unscoped flood routing
+
+Direct routes `0x02` and `0x03` are never affected by these rules.
+The route and payload values follow the upstream
+[packet-format reference](https://docs.meshcore.io/packet_format/) and
+[payload layouts](https://docs.meshcore.io/payloads/), with this fork's LoRa
+OTA assignment noted below.
+
+## Before making changes
+
+On a repeater, show the current forwarding controls:
+
+```text
+get repeat
+get flood.max
+get flood.max.unscoped
+get flood.max.advert
+get flood.channel.data
+get flood.channel.data.hops
+get flood.channel.scope
+get flood.channel.scope.require
+get flood.filter
+get flood.rule
+get flood.filter.blacklist
+get flood.moderation
+```
+
+`flood.rule` is an alias for `flood.filter`, not another table. Generalized
+repeater FPF7 has 63 forward-rule slots plus scope-rewrite and shared-blacklist
+sections in the same atomic policy file. FULL room servers have 31 forward
+slots and empty repeater-only sections. Compact target profiles retain their
+separate FPF6-era controls. `flood.moderation` has 16 slots. A new
+repeater FPF7 table starts with `ota all suspend=tempradio` in slot 1 and an
+authenticated `#wardriving hops=5+` drop in slot 2; FULL room servers seed only
+the OTA row. `flood.moderation` starts empty. A row can opt into
+`suspend=tempradio`;
+temporary radio is not synonymous with OTA and can carry normal packet types
+too. A corrupt or truncated table fails open, so corrupt storage does not
+silently enable blocking.
+
+On a FULL ESP32 room server, use `get flood.rule` (or `get flood.filter`) for
+the available table. Remote rule changes require room-server administrator
+access. `flood.filter.blacklist*` and `path=blacklist` are repeater-only; use
+the ordered `prefix=` condition on a room server.
+
+## Force floods into a transport scope
+
+`flood.channel.scope` can add a scope to a received unscoped flood or replace
+the scope of a transport-scoped flood before this repeater forwards it:
+
+```text
+set flood.channel.scope <channel|txt:*|login:*|other:*> <region|scope=name> [path=blacklist|path=bucket:1-6] [tx=slow]
+set flood.channel.scope.<slot> <channel|txt:*|login:*|other:*> <region|scope=name> [path=blacklist|path=bucket:1-6] [tx=slow]
+get flood.channel.scope
+get flood.channel.scope.<slot>
+del flood.channel.scope.<slot>
+del flood.channel.scope all
+```
+
+The channel may be `public`, `#channel`, or a 128/256-bit hex key. A bare
+target names an existing region with a usable transport key. Use
+`scope=<name>` instead to derive a regionless public hashtag scope exactly as
+`flood.filter scope=<name>` does. The direct name is normalized with a leading
+`#`, may contain up to 30 characters, and does not need a region-list entry.
+Keyed rules first check the one-byte channel hash carried in the packet, then
+validate the MAC by decrypting with the configured channel key. A hash
+collision alone cannot force a scope.
+
+For example, this authenticates only `#rgdata` and rewrites it to
+`#BlackHole86` without creating a region:
+
+```text
+set flood.channel.scope #rgdata scope=BlackHole86
+get flood.channel.scope.1
+```
+
+If that channel arrives scoped to `#usa`, the rule replaces `#usa` with
+`#BlackHole86`. It also handles unscoped packets and replaces any other
+incoming scope; the source scope is not a condition on the rule.
+
+Add `path=blacklist` to make a channel-scope row eligible only when the
+received path matches the passive `flood.filter.blacklist` ID table. It does
+not require an enabled `flood.filter` drop row. With 3-byte paths, one exact
+listed ID qualifies. With 2-byte paths, two received path entries must match
+the first two bytes of listed IDs. A 1-byte path never qualifies.
+
+Use `path=bucket:<1-6>` to match one of the existing
+`flood.retry.bucket` tables instead. Each bridge bucket holds up to 17
+three-byte IDs and remains usable by channel scoping while
+`flood.retry.bridge` is off. Bucket matching uses the same thresholds as the
+blacklist: one exact hit for 3-byte paths, two qualifying entries for 2-byte
+paths, and no matches for 1-byte paths. Channel scoping reads the configured
+IDs directly; `recent.repeater` freshness and `flood.retry.ignore` do not
+change this match.
+
+There are three independent wildcard classes:
+
+- `txt:*` handles otherwise-unmatched `GRP_TXT` and `GRP_DATA`; plain `*` is
+  its alias.
+- `login:*` handles `REQ`, `RESPONSE`, `TXT_MSG`, `ANON_REQ`, and `PATH`.
+- `other:*` handles every remaining flood payload type, including flood-form
+  TRACE and OTA.
+
+`login:*` and `other:*` classify only the visible outer payload type; they do
+not authenticate its contents. Exact channel rows with usable targets
+always take precedence over `txt:*`, even if that wildcard has a lower slot
+number. Within the exact class, matching path-qualified rows are tried before
+ordinary fallback rows. The same qualified-then-fallback order applies within
+each wildcard class. A missing or unusable target is skipped, so later rows
+remain eligible. The lowest usable slot wins within each priority tier.
+
+For example, this uses bridge bucket 1 to assign `east` to `public` packets
+whose received 3-byte path contains `7576FB`, and assigns `west` to all other
+authenticated `public` packets:
+
+```text
+set flood.retry.bucket 1 7576FB
+set flood.channel.scope public west
+set flood.channel.scope public east path=bucket:1
+```
+
+More 3-byte IDs can be added to bucket 1 later. Any one of them qualifies the
+`east` row. Replacing or clearing that bucket changes which paths qualify but
+leaves both channel-scope rows intact. Bridge retry does not need to be
+enabled.
+
+On a successful match, an unscoped route changes from `ROUTE_TYPE_FLOOD` to
+`ROUTE_TYPE_TRANSPORT_FLOOD`; an already-scoped route remains transport-flood
+but receives replacement codes. Transport code 0 is calculated with the target
+region or direct hashtag key over the payload type and payload, and code 1 becomes zero. The
+change happens before region enforcement, forwarding filters, and
+deduplication. Consequently `flood.max.unscoped` no longer applies to a packet
+converted from unscoped, while `flood.max`, `flood.filter`, loop detection, and
+moderation still apply to every rewritten packet. A region
+target must be flood-allowed. A regionless target is trusted for this matched
+receive pass, but it neither creates a region nor changes how unrelated packets
+with the same transport code pass the region gate. By default, if the selected scope differs and the
+rewritten packet passes those checks, its initial retransmission uses zero
+`txdelay` and the highest outbound queue priority so the newly scoped copy can
+win at the next hop. Add `tx=slow` to use an effective inbound `rxdelay` base
+of `max(2, configured rxdelay * 2)`, retain normal outbound queue priority, and
+force the maximum `txdelay` factor of `2.0`. The actual transmit delay is still
+randomized, from zero through ten packet airtimes.
+It does not preempt an active radio transmission or bypass CAD and
+airtime-budget limits. Selecting the scope already present is a no-op and does
+not grant special treatment.
+
+Direct routes are never rewritten. Standard traceroute is direct-routed and
+therefore remains outside this flood-only table. A custom flood-form TRACE is
+treated like every other flood: an applicable wildcard may rewrite it and the
+normal region/unknown-code gates still apply. Scope assignment does not
+override normal payload validation or make an otherwise non-forwardable
+packet type forwardable.
+
+LoRa OTA (`0x0C`) falls under `other:*`. A matching row adds the selected
+transport code or replaces the existing one, but OTA still operates normally
+during the temporary-radio window because the OTA handler accepts both
+unscoped and transport-scoped flood routes. A region target must allow
+flooding; a direct target uses the regionless trust behavior above. A new
+repeater also seeds `ota all suspend=tempradio` in flood-filter
+slot 1. That visible rule blocks OTA forwarding at every received hop outside
+temporary-radio operation and is skipped while temporary radio is active.
+Independently, the OTA core refuses OTA receive, relay, and transmit outside an
+actually active temporary-radio window, even if the seeded row is deleted or
+replaced.
+
+Capacity is selected at build time:
+
+- Roomy ESP32 builds: 255 rewrite slots and 32 regionless-target slots, 10,204
+  bytes RAM.
+- DRAM-tight classic ESP32 LoRa-OTA repeaters, nRF52, and other normal
+  constrained builds: 31 rewrite and regionless-target slots, 2,108 bytes RAM.
+- Very-tight STM32WL builds: 15 rewrite slots and one reusable regionless-target
+  slot, 572 bytes RAM.
+- The no-PSRAM LilyGo T-LoRa V2.1 repeater/observer: 4 rewrite and
+  regionless-target slots, 272 bytes RAM. This minimum holds the
+  three wildcard classes and one exact channel mapping.
+
+Each rule retains its 36-byte record. A separate table holds 32-byte normalized
+names for up to the smaller of the rule count or 32 distinct regionless
+targets, except that very-tight STM32WL builds retain one reusable direct
+target. Both configured regions and regionless targets can be reused by any
+number of rules.
+
+On generalized builds these records are the FPF7 rewrite phase, and the file
+stores only through the highest occupied slot. Compact FPF6 builds retain the
+standalone FCS5 file and the file sizes described by their build profile.
+
+## Require valid incoming scopes only on selected channels
+
+`flood.channel.scope.require` changes region enforcement for received flood
+`GRP_TXT` and `GRP_DATA` packets from a global policy to a channel opt-in
+policy:
+
+```text
+set flood.channel.scope.require <public|#channel|128/256-bit-key>
+set flood.channel.scope.require.<slot> <public|#channel|128/256-bit-key>
+get flood.channel.scope.require
+get flood.channel.scope.require.<slot>
+del flood.channel.scope.require.<slot>
+del flood.channel.scope.require all
+```
+
+An empty table preserves the normal global region behavior. Once at least one
+row exists, a group-channel packet that authenticates against a listed key must
+arrive as `ROUTE_TYPE_TRANSPORT_FLOOD` with a transport code matching a locally
+flood-allowed region. An unscoped packet, an unknown transport code, or a code
+for a denied region is not retransmitted. The check uses the original incoming
+scope before `flood.channel.scope` or `flood.filter scope=` can rewrite it.
+Those rewrite actions are skipped for a rejected listed channel, so they
+cannot rescue it or grant special receive/transmit timing.
+
+Group-channel packets that do not authenticate against any listed key bypass
+the region/unknown-code forwarding gate. They still pass through `repeat`,
+`flood.max*`, `flood.filter`, loop detection, payload
+validation, and moderation. Non-channel flood payload types retain the normal
+global region behavior. A one-byte channel-hash collision is only a prefilter;
+the packet must also pass MAC validation/decryption with the configured key.
+
+Without `.slot`, setting an existing key updates its row and a new key uses the
+first empty row. Numbered `set` replaces that slot. Detail output displays only
+the first four derived hash bytes and key size, never the secret. The table has
+the same build-dependent slot count as `flood.channel.scope`; each row consumes
+34 bytes of RAM and storage, plus a five-byte file header. ACL permission `4`
+can manage it.
+
+For example, this requires an allowed incoming scope on `#bot`, while every
+other group channel bypasses region enforcement:
+
+```text
+set flood.channel.scope.require #bot
+get flood.channel.scope.require
+```
+
+### Interaction with duplicate detection
+
+The seen-packet hash contains the payload type and exact payload bytes. It does
+not contain the route type, either transport code, or the ordinary flood path.
+For `TRACE` only, the encoded `path_len` byte is also included. Therefore an
+unscoped packet and the same packet after this repeater adds a transport code
+are the same duplicate. A later copy with a different scope is also the same
+duplicate; changing or adding scope cannot evade the seen table.
+
+When equivalent non-TRACE flood copies overlap in `rxdelay`, the normal
+receive-quality timing still chooses the packet to process, but that winner
+takes a scope from the queued copies whose transport code matches an allowed
+region in this repeater.
+Unknown and denied scopes are ignored. If eligible copies have different
+scopes, the shortest received path supplies the scope. Equal path lengths
+prefer the deepest matching child region (the narrowest configured scope). A
+remaining tie keeps queue order. The winner keeps its own path, SNR, and delay
+schedule; only its route and transport codes can change, including replacement
+of a less-preferred scope it already carried.
+
+Scope selection happens at dequeue so the original scopes remain available for
+comparison. It applies only while copies are queued and cannot alter a copy
+already processed into the seen table. Flood-form TRACE participates in the
+same arbitration. Direct traceroute never enters this flood queue.
+
+A packet that already matches a configured fast `flood.channel.scope` or
+`flood.filter scope=` action and needs its scope changed bypasses this inbound
+`rxdelay` queue entirely. A `tx=slow` row remains in the queue with twice the
+configured base, floored at `2.0`, and participates in normal queued-copy
+scope arbitration.
+
+## Runtime flood rules
+
+On repeaters with the rule engine enabled and on FULL-profile ESP32 room
+servers, `flood.rule` and `flood.filter` are two names for the same persistent
+table. The evaluator is fixed firmware, but every row is data, so an
+authenticated operator can add, replace, inspect, or delete a row without an
+OTA or reboot. Existing `flood.filter` commands remain compatible. Only FPF6
+and FPF7 files are accepted; FPF1-FPF5 files are rejected and filtering fails
+open. A row saved by the extended engine uses FPF7.
+
+The former `flood.channel.block` table is now represented by ordinary FPF7
+rows. On a generalized repeater, an existing FCB2 file is imported once into
+free FPF7 slots and then removed. For example, an old `#wardriving h=4` row
+becomes `type=any channel=#wardriving hops=5+ drop`. The 63-row table can hold
+all 31 former general filter rows, all 15 legacy channel-block rows, and the
+migrated global `flood.channel.data` gate. Compact STM32WL FPF6 builds cannot
+match authenticated channels and retain the older separate gate.
+
+On generalized repeaters, `flood.channel.data*` is a compatibility view over
+one ordinary visible FPF7 `type=grp_data ... drop` row. Turning it off creates
+or updates that row; turning it on removes the row. Its hop setting maps to
+`hops=all` or `hops=N+1+`. There is no hidden GRP_DATA forwarding check ahead
+of FPF7. Normal ordering applies, so a matching higher-priority `stop` row can
+exempt selected traffic. The compact rule list marks the managed row with
+`~data`.
+
+FPF7 binds `in=region:<name>` and `region=<name>` to canonical region names,
+not numeric region IDs. Removing, reordering, or reusing a region ID cannot
+silently redirect a rule. If the saved name is missing, an input-region match
+does not match and a target-region rewrite is skipped. Re-adding the same name
+reactivates the rule.
+
+The extended form is:
+
+```text
+set flood.rule[.<slot>] type=<type> [hops=<range>] [channel=<channel>]
+    [prefix=<ID[,ID...]>] [in=<input-scope>] <action> [rate=<N>/min]
+    [priority=<0-255>] [stop] [tx=fast|slow] [suspend=tempradio]
+get flood.rule
+get flood.rule.<slot>
+del flood.rule.<slot>
+del flood.rule all
+```
+
+The command must be entered on one line. Match fields in one row are ANDed.
+Every row is matched against the same immutable packet state captured on
+receive, before any rule rewrites its scope. Matching rows are then processed
+by descending `priority`; lower slot number wins a priority tie. Priority
+defaults to `0`.
+
+The first matching `stop` row ends the FPF7 forward phase after that row. Higher-order
+matches and the stop row still apply; lower-order matches do not. A stop-only
+row is therefore an exception to lower-priority FPF7 rows. It cannot undo a
+higher-priority drop and it does not bypass hard forwarding gates or the
+scope-rewrite and moderation phases. Without a stop row, matching drop and rate rows remain
+independent and the highest-order matching scope or region rewrite wins.
+
+Match fields:
+
+- `type=` accepts the same packet names and numeric values as legacy
+  `flood.filter`. The positional form remains accepted.
+- `hops=` accepts `all`, `N`, `N+`, or `N-M`. The positional form remains
+  accepted. Received hops over 3 are written as `hops=4+`.
+- `channel=*|public|#name|128-bit-key|256-bit-key` optionally narrows by
+  channel. `channel=*` is an unconstrained wildcard: it performs no channel
+  authentication and matches every payload selected by `type=`. Thus
+  `type=any channel=*` means every flood payload type. `public`, `#name`, and
+  raw keys authenticate one channel and narrow the row to `GRP_TXT` or
+  `GRP_DATA`.
+- `prefix=` is a source-path prefix containing one to three comma-separated
+  pbyte IDs. Every ID must use the packet's pbyte width: 2, 4, or 6 hex
+  characters for 1-, 2-, or 3-byte paths. Order matters and matching begins at
+  the first received path entry. `path=<prefix>` is an alias;
+  `path=blacklist` retains its separate unordered-list behavior.
+- `in=any|none|scoped|allowed|unknown|scope:<name>|region:<name>` tests the
+  original incoming route before any rewrite. `none` means an unscoped flood;
+  `scoped` means any transport flood; `scope:name` compares the exact public
+  hashtag-derived scope; and `region:name` compares an allowed configured
+  region. `allowed` is the legacy `require=region` test and includes an
+  unscoped packet when the wildcard region allows it. `unknown` means a scoped
+  packet that does not resolve to an allowed local region.
+
+Actions:
+
+- `drop` prevents retransmission when the row matches. The strict
+  `flood.rule` form requires an explicit action. For backward compatibility,
+  only a legacy `flood.filter` row with no rewrite, rate, or stop action means
+  drop implicitly.
+- `scope=<name>` derives a public transport scope directly from the name; no
+  region entry is consulted. `scope=BlackHole86` is therefore a valid
+  regionless sink. `region=<name>` is different: it resolves a configured,
+  flood-allowed region and one of that region's transport keys.
+- A `stop` on a row whose `region=` target is currently unusable is also inert,
+  allowing lower-priority safety rules to run. Direct `scope=` targets do not
+  have this configuration dependency.
+- `rate=N/min` is a per-node, per-row fixed one-minute forwarding limit. It can
+  stand alone or accompany a scope/region rewrite. Quota is charged only after
+  every other forwarding gate, including moderation, accepts the packet. It is
+  not keyed per sender; use `flood.moderation` when a group-text rate must be
+  tied to an exact display name.
+- `priority=0-255` controls processing order. Higher values run first; lower
+  slot number breaks ties. `pri=` is the compact alias.
+- `stop` (or `action=stop`) applies this row and prevents lower-order FPF7 rows
+  from acting. It can stand alone or accompany drop, rewrite, or rate.
+
+When several rows use the same channel key, authentication is performed once
+for that packet and reused by those rows. This cache lives only for the current
+receive evaluation; it is not persisted and never stores plaintext or a
+password.
+
+The exact requested examples are:
+
+```text
+# If #rgdata arrives unscoped with more than 3 received hops, add
+# the regionless #BlackHole86 scope.
+set flood.rule.2 type=grp_data hops=4+ channel=#rgdata in=none scope=BlackHole86
+
+# Rewrite the exact incoming #usa scope to #BlackHole86 for #rgdata.
+set flood.rule.3 type=grp_data channel=#rgdata in=scope:usa scope=BlackHole86
+
+# Match a two-byte source-path prefix and cap forwarding at 10 per minute.
+set flood.rule.4 type=any prefix=860C rate=10/min
+
+# Keep authenticated #rgdata at two hops or less out of lower-priority FPF7
+# rules. Hard gates and separate tables still apply.
+set flood.rule.5 type=grp_data hops=0-2 channel=#rgdata priority=200 stop
+
+get flood.rule.2
+get flood.rule.3
+get flood.rule.4
+```
+
+The 240 KB STM32WL profiles keep `MESH_ENABLE_FLOOD_RULE_ENGINE=0` and retain
+the persistent compact FPF6 `flood.filter` and blacklist syntax below. They
+still perform filtering, but omit the generalized `flood.rule` parser and
+extended fields. No partition size is changed by this feature.
+
+The compatible filter and blacklist commands are:
+
+```text
+set flood.filter.blacklist <ID[,ID...]>
+set flood.filter.blacklist.<slot> <ID[,ID...]>
+get flood.filter.blacklist
+get flood.filter.blacklist.<slot>
+del flood.filter.blacklist
+del flood.filter.blacklist.<slot>
+set flood.filter <type> [hops] [path=blacklist] [scope=<name>] [require=region] [tx=slow] [suspend=tempradio]
+set flood.filter.<slot> <type> [hops] [path=blacklist] [scope=<name>] [require=region] [tx=slow] [suspend=tempradio]
+get flood.filter
+get flood.filter.<slot>
+del flood.filter.<slot>
+del flood.filter all
+```
+
+The blacklist holds up to 255 unique 3-byte repeater IDs on ESP32 builds and
+18 on other builds. Each is written as six hexadecimal digits. For example:
+
+```text
+set flood.filter.blacklist A1B2C3,D4E5F6,112233
+set flood.filter.blacklist.4 445566
+set flood.filter any all path=blacklist
+```
+
+This is intended for abuse containment, such as refusing to retransmit floods
+that repeatedly enter the mesh through known internet gateways dumping bulk
+traffic. The list is shared by every FPF7 row and scope-rewrite row that uses
+`path=blacklist`; it is not copied into each rule.
+
+An unnumbered `set` replaces the list with up to 18 IDs, the largest command
+that fits every CLI transport. A numbered `set` writes a batch of up to 18 IDs
+beginning at an existing slot or the next consecutive slot. This is how an
+ESP32 list grows beyond 18. Deleting a numbered entry compacts the entries
+after it. Unnumbered `get` reports the total and prints the leading IDs that
+fit; numbered `get` retrieves one specific entry.
+
+`path=blacklist` is an unordered precondition on that row. With 3-byte path
+hashes, one or more exact blacklist hits qualifies the packet. With 2-byte
+path hashes, two or more received path entries must match the first two bytes
+of listed IDs. Each received entry is counted at most once. A 1-byte path
+never qualifies. The IDs may occur anywhere in the received path; neither
+their list order nor their path order matters.
+
+Without a slot number, `set` reuses an identical row or selects the first empty
+slot. Use a slot number to replace a row whose match or action is changing.
+Omitting the hop expression means `all` (`0-63`).
+
+Numbered `get` normally uses the long field names. If a rule containing
+several maximum-length names would exceed one CLI reply, it switches to a
+non-truncating compact spelling that `set` also accepts: `c=` is `channel=`,
+`p=` is `prefix=`, `i=*|n|s|a|u|s:<scope>|r:<region>` represents `in=`, `q=N`
+is `rate=N/min`, and `f=st` combines slow timing (`s`) and temporary-radio
+suspension (`t`). The fallback prints packet type numerically.
+
+A legacy row without `scope=` is the existing drop action. On extended builds,
+an explicit `drop` has the same result, while `rate=` by itself creates a
+rate-only row. A row with `scope=` adds transport scope to an unscoped packet
+or replaces the codes on an already-scoped packet. The scope name is normalized
+with a leading `#`, and the 128-bit transport key is derived directly from that
+hashtag. The name does not need to exist in the region list and is not added to
+it. Public names up to 30 characters are accepted; private `$` scopes are not.
+
+`require=region` is the legacy spelling of `in=allowed`. The repeater evaluates the packet's
+original route before any rewrite in that receive pass. An incoming transport
+scope must match a locally allowed region; an unscoped flood must be allowed by
+the wildcard region. If the check fails, that row is skipped, the filter does
+not grant a region bypass, and the unchanged packet is allowed to fail
+normal region enforcement. Other independently configured scope rows still
+apply in their normal order.
+
+When multiple scope or region rows match, the highest-priority row wins; lower
+slot number breaks a priority tie.
+Rewrite rows do not approve a packet: any matching drop row and every remaining forwarding gate can
+still reject it. A filter-assigned scope is trusted without local region-list
+validation, but `repeat`, `flood.max`, loop detection, and
+moderation still apply. By default, a changed scope bypasses inbound `rxdelay`,
+then is retransmitted with zero `txdelay` and the highest outbound queue
+priority. Add `tx=slow` to use an effective inbound `rxdelay` base of
+`max(2, configured rxdelay * 2)`, retain normal queue priority, and force the
+maximum `txdelay` factor of `2.0`; the randomized transmit delay ranges from
+zero through ten packet airtimes. `tx=fast` explicitly restores the default.
+Selecting the scope already present does not grant special treatment. Active
+radio transmission, CAD, and airtime-budget limits are unchanged.
+
+On generalized repeaters, forward rules, `flood.channel.scope` rewrite rows,
+the shared blacklist, and the `flood.channel.data` compatibility state are one
+atomic FPF7 policy image. Existing `/flood_ch_scope`, `/flood_filter_bl`, FPF6,
+and FCB2 data is imported once; the old files are removed only after the new
+image verifies and commits. Compact FPF6 repeaters retain separate files.
+Deleting the blacklist leaves `path=blacklist` rows in place but dormant until
+IDs are configured again. Path hashes are truncated routing identifiers and
+are not authenticated proof that a particular repeater—or a particular
+person—handled a packet. FULL room servers reject blacklist commands.
+
+On first initialization, flood-filter slot 1 is seeded with:
+
+```text
+set flood.filter.1 0x0C all suspend=tempradio
+```
+
+This is a normal editable row. After the table has been saved, deleting it
+remains persistent across reboot; the firmware does not recreate it. Run the
+same command to restore the exact seeded row, or omit `.1` to preserve existing
+slot assignments and use the first empty slot. Operators may add
+`suspend=tempradio` to any other row that should be skipped while the radio is
+on a temporary channel.
+
+Suspension does not approve a packet or bypass the rest of the filter table. It
+skips that row, then evaluation continues with the next row and the remaining
+forwarding gates. An ordinary drop `any` row therefore still applies during
+the temporary-radio window unless an earlier matching stop row ends FPF7
+processing. `repeat`, `flood.max*`, region handling, loop detection, and the OTA
+subsystem's own hop limit also remain in force.
+
+Standard traceroute uses direct routing and never enters `flood.filter`. For a
+custom flood-form trace, `type=any`, explicit `trace`, scope, region, rate, and
+drop rows all behave normally. The stock core does not normally flood-forward
+TRACE packets.
+
+### Remote-administration lockout warning
+
+There are no hidden payload-type or short-hop exemptions in FPF7. Drop and
+rate rules can block `req`, `response`, `txt_msg`, `anon_req`, `path`, ACK, and
+multipart traffic beginning at hop `0` when their match fields say so.
+
+A flooded login starts as `ANON_REQ`; its reply is commonly a `PATH` packet
+carrying an encrypted `RESPONSE`. Before a direct return path is established,
+administrative replies and CLI text can also be flooded. Transit repeaters do
+not have the session key and cannot distinguish those encrypted admin exchanges
+from ordinary peer packets with the same outer type. A rule therefore affects
+the complete outer packet class, not only packets that ultimately authenticate
+as administrators. Keep a serial or other recovery path and stage broad
+deny/rate rules carefully.
+
+Hop expressions are based on the path count when this repeater receives the
+packet:
+
+- `N` matches exactly `N` received hops.
+- `N+` matches `N` or more received hops.
+- `N-M` matches the inclusive range.
+- `all` matches `0` through `63` hops.
+- `0+`, `all`, and omitting the hop expression are equivalent. `get` reports
+  the stored range using the canonical spelling `all`.
+
+Examples:
+
+```text
+# Stop forwarding group data once it arrives with four or more path entries.
+set flood.filter grp_data 4+
+
+# Stop long adverts, while still allowing shorter adverts.
+set flood.filter.2 advert 6+
+
+# Keep LoRa OTA floods from crossing this repeater at path counts 2 through 4.
+set flood.filter.3 ota 2-4
+
+# Assign #local scope to group text without requiring #local in the region map.
+set flood.filter grp_txt all scope=local
+
+# Rewrite only packets whose incoming region was already acceptable.
+set flood.filter grp_data all scope=local require=region
+
+# Rewrite matching blacklisted paths without fast-tracking their retransmission.
+set flood.filter grp_data all path=blacklist scope=local tx=slow
+
+# Drop matching flood types after the unordered path blacklist qualifies.
+set flood.filter.blacklist A1B2C3,D4E5F6,112233
+set flood.filter any all path=blacklist
+
+# Apply a hard ceiling to flood payload types at 12 or more received hops.
+set flood.filter any 12+
+```
+
+### High-traffic mesh example
+
+This preset limits request and group-data propagation early while allowing the
+login-capable response, anonymous-request, and path types to travel farther:
+
+```text
+set flood.filter req 3+
+set flood.filter response 9+
+set flood.filter 0x06 3+
+set flood.filter 0x07 9+
+set flood.filter path 9+
+set flood.filter control 1+
+get flood.filter
+```
+
+| Rule | Stops retransmission when received with |
+| --- | --- |
+| `req 3+` | 3 or more path entries |
+| `response 9+` | 9 or more path entries |
+| `0x06 3+` (`grp_data`) | 3 or more path entries |
+| `0x07 9+` (`anon_req`) | 9 or more path entries |
+| `path 9+` | 9 or more path entries |
+| `control 1+` | 1 or more path entries |
+
+On a new table, the factory OTA rule occupies slot 1, so these unnumbered
+commands normally fill slots 2 through 7. Existing tables may choose different
+free slots. All six rules take effect at the thresholds shown; there are no
+hidden short-hop exceptions. The Control rule allows a flood received with
+path count `0` to be forwarded
+once, then stops it at the next repeater. Normal node-discovery Control packets
+are direct zero-hop packets and never enter `flood.filter`. These rules affect
+only retransmission by the repeater; local reception and logging remain
+unchanged.
+
+Accepted payload names are:
+
+| Value | Short name | Full name |
+| --- | --- | --- |
+| `0x00` | `req` | `PAYLOAD_TYPE_REQ` |
+| `0x01` | `response` | `PAYLOAD_TYPE_RESPONSE` |
+| `0x02` | `txt_msg` | `PAYLOAD_TYPE_TXT_MSG` |
+| `0x03` | `ack` | `PAYLOAD_TYPE_ACK` |
+| `0x04` | `advert` | `PAYLOAD_TYPE_ADVERT` |
+| `0x05` | `grp_txt` | `PAYLOAD_TYPE_GRP_TXT` |
+| `0x06` | `grp_data` | `PAYLOAD_TYPE_GRP_DATA` |
+| `0x07` | `anon_req` | `PAYLOAD_TYPE_ANON_REQ` |
+| `0x08` | `path` | `PAYLOAD_TYPE_PATH` |
+| `0x09` | `trace` | `PAYLOAD_TYPE_TRACE` |
+| `0x0A` | `multipart` | `PAYLOAD_TYPE_MULTIPART` |
+| `0x0B` | `control` | `PAYLOAD_TYPE_CONTROL` |
+| `0x0C` | `ota` | `PAYLOAD_TYPE_OTA` in this fork |
+| `0x0D` | `13` | reserved |
+| `0x0E` | `14` | reserved |
+| `0x0F` | `raw_custom` | `PAYLOAD_TYPE_RAW_CUSTOM` |
+
+Decimal values `0` through `15`, hexadecimal values `0x00` through `0x0F`, the
+full `PAYLOAD_TYPE_*` names, and `any` are also accepted. Upstream currently
+reserves `0x0C`; this fork assigns it to LoRa OTA. Rows are suspended during
+temporary-radio operation only when explicitly configured that way.
+
+## Moderate group text by channel and username
+
+Use `flood.moderation` for flood `GRP_TXT` messages. The repeater validates and
+decrypts the selected channel, extracts the display name before the first `:`,
+then applies the rule:
+
+```text
+set flood.moderation <channel> <sender> <action> [action...]
+set flood.moderation.<slot> <channel> <sender> <action> [action...]
+get flood.moderation
+get flood.moderation.<slot>
+del flood.moderation.<slot>
+del flood.moderation all
+```
+
+Channels can be specified as:
+
+- `public` for the built-in Public channel
+- `#name` for a well-known hashtag channel
+- a 128-bit or 256-bit channel key in hexadecimal
+
+The key is stored locally so packets can be authenticated and decrypted. It is
+not included in `get flood.moderation` output.
+
+Available actions are:
+
+- `drop` - do not retransmit any matching message
+- `rate=X/min` - retransmit at most `X` messages per local 60-second window
+- `hops=N` - do not retransmit when the received path count is `N` or higher
+- `path=H1[,H2,H3]` - require the first one to three path hashes to match
+- `path=*` - match every path; this is the default
+
+At least one of `drop`, `rate=X/min`, or `hops=N` is required. Rate and hop
+limits can be combined. `rate=0/min` is equivalent to `drop`.
+
+### Per-user, per-channel rate limits
+
+Rate limits require an exact username; `*` is not accepted for a rate rule.
+Username comparison is ASCII case-insensitive, and names containing spaces must
+be quoted. A rule's counter is independent from rules for the same name on
+other channels, so this directly supports "X messages per minute from user X
+on channel Y." Counters are local to this repeater and reset on reboot.
+
+```text
+# At most five Public-channel messages per minute from this display name.
+set flood.moderation public "Noisy User" rate=5/min
+
+# A separate limit for the same name on #local.
+set flood.moderation #local "Noisy User" rate=10/min
+
+# Combine a rate limit with a maximum forwarding distance.
+set flood.moderation public alice rate=4/min hops=5
+```
+
+### Match the start of a path
+
+Path matching accepts one-, two-, or three-byte hashes. Every hash in one rule
+must use the same width, and matching always starts at the beginning of the
+received path:
+
+```text
+set flood.moderation #local bot drop path=A1B2C3,D4E5F6
+set flood.moderation public alice rate=3/min path=71
+```
+
+A path-qualified rule cannot match a zero-hop packet and does not match until
+the packet contains all path entries listed by the rule.
+
+## How the forwarding controls combine
+
+A flood packet is retransmitted only if it passes every applicable control. In
+other words, the controls combine as deny rules:
+
+1. `flood.channel.scope.require` evaluates a listed group channel against the
+   original incoming scope; unlisted group channels bypass the later region
+   gate while the table is active.
+2. `flood.channel.scope` tries a path-qualified channel row before that
+   channel's ordinary fallback, then adds or replaces the scope from either a
+   configured region or a direct `scope=<name>` target.
+3. All extended `flood.rule` match fields are evaluated against the same
+   original incoming packet. Matches are ordered by descending priority and
+   then ascending slot. The first matching `stop` row removes every later FPF7
+   match. The highest-order remaining `scope=` or `region=` row may replace the
+   channel-scope result; a direct scope does not require a region-list entry.
+4. `repeat` and `flood.max*` are checked.
+5. The FPF7 forward phase, including any row managed through
+   `flood.channel.data*`, applies drop and rate decisions using that saved
+   match result. No packet type or short-hop range is silently exempted.
+6. Region and loop-detection rules are checked; a regionless scope assigned by
+   either table is already trusted when it has no region-list match, except
+   that it cannot rescue a channel rejected by
+   `flood.channel.scope.require`.
+7. `flood.moderation` checks decrypted group text, username, rate, hops, and
+   path. If it accepts the packet, matching general-rule rate counters are
+   charged immediately before retransmission is approved.
+
+The first denial is enough to prevent retransmission. A packet that is denied
+can still appear in local logs or MQTT output. Moderation runs last because its
+rate counters are charged only for packets that pass every other forwarding
+control and will actually be retransmitted.
+
+## Delegate filter management
+
+On repeaters, ACL permission `5` is the filter-manager role:
+
+```text
+setperm <companion-public-key-hex> 5
+```
+
+A filter manager can read non-secret operational status and manage `repeat`,
+`loop.detect`, `flood.max*`, `flood.channel.data*`,
+`flood.filter*`, `flood.rule*`, and `flood.moderation*`. Delegated `get` access uses an
+explicit allowlist: it cannot retrieve guest, WiFi, MQTT, bridge, or other
+credentials, and it cannot change regions, ACL entries, radio settings, or
+unrelated administrator settings. Because `flood.filter scope=` derives a
+public hashtag key directly, a filter manager can configure that action without
+region-manager permission; it still cannot edit the region hierarchy.
+
+FULL ESP32 room servers use their existing administrator check for remote
+`flood.rule` and `flood.filter` commands; they do not grant this table through
+permission `5`.
+
+ACL permission `4`, the region/scope-manager role, can read, add, replace, and
+delete `flood.channel.scope` and `flood.channel.scope.require` rows and manage
+regions. This lets the same delegate create target regions, assign forced
+scopes from regions or direct hashtag names, and select the channels that
+require valid incoming scopes.
+
+## Security limitations
+
+Public and hashtag channels use shared, well-known keys. A valid channel MAC
+proves that the sender knew the channel key; it does not identify a person.
+The `<sender>` value is an unverified display name and can be spoofed. Path
+hashes are truncated routing hints and can collide or be manipulated; they are
+not authenticated user identities.
+
+Use username and path rules as traffic moderation, not as an authorization
+boundary. For a strict network boundary, combine these tools with region ACLs,
+private transport/channel keys, and controlled device access.
+
+## Restore the factory-seeded rows
+
+The repeater's factory-seeded forwarding rows can be restored through the CLI:
+
+```text
+set flood.rule.1 type=ota hops=all drop suspend=tempradio
+set flood.rule.2 type=any channel=#wardriving hops=5+ drop
+```
+
+These commands explicitly replace the two seeded generalized-repeater slots.
+Inspect them first if they may now contain other rules. Compact FPF6 builds use
+only the first command's `flood.filter.1 0x0C all suspend=tempradio` form.
+
+## Remove the custom rules
+
+To save both tables in an empty state:
+
+```text
+del flood.filter all
+del flood.moderation all
+get flood.filter
+get flood.moderation
+```
+
+This does not change the older `flood.max*`, loop-detection, or region settings;
+inspect or reset those separately when troubleshooting.
@@ -0,0 +1,143 @@
+# GPS Tracking
+
+This document describes how GPS telemetry works for companion/client nodes and
+sensor nodes.
+
+## Scope
+
+GPS tracking uses the existing CayenneLPP GPS telemetry field. It does not add a
+new phone app protocol field.
+
+The GPS telemetry value contains latitude, longitude, and altitude. Speed,
+heading, and freshness are not sent as separate telemetry fields.
+
+If the firmware does not have a valid fresh GPS cache, it omits the GPS field
+from telemetry. This is intentional: stale or missing fixes are not reported as
+zero coordinates.
+
+## Freshness
+
+GPS telemetry is cached separately from advert location.
+
+The cache behavior is:
+
+- Refresh the cached GPS value every 2 hours only when at least one contact or
+  ACL client can receive location telemetry.
+- Try for up to 15 minutes during a refresh.
+- If the position stays within about 100 meters for 30 seconds, cache a weighted
+  average of the stable fixes, with newer fixes weighted more heavily.
+- If the position moves outside that 100 meter circle during acquisition, cache
+  the latest valid fix.
+- Omit GPS from telemetry if there is no fix or if the cached fix is more than
+  12 hours old.
+
+When a telemetry request asks for location, GPS is kept on for 2 hours after the
+latest location request. During that hold window, later location telemetry
+requests can use fresh GPS data as soon as valid fixes are available.
+
+If GPS is manually enabled, it stays on and valid fixes continue to update the
+cache.
+
+If no contact or ACL client can receive location telemetry, the scheduled
+2-hour refresh does not run. A real location telemetry request still turns GPS
+on for the 2-hour hold window, and manual GPS-on still keeps the cache updated.
+
+## Companion/Client Nodes
+
+Companion/client telemetry uses the existing companion telemetry permission
+system:
+
+- base telemetry
+- location telemetry
+- environment telemetry
+
+Location telemetry is sent only when the requester's effective telemetry
+permissions include location. Those permissions are derived from the companion
+telemetry mode settings and contact flags.
+
+The scheduled GPS cache refresh runs only when at least one stored contact has
+effective location telemetry access:
+
+- `location: allow all` with at least one stored contact
+- `location: allow flags` with at least one stored contact whose flags include
+  location
+
+No new phone app behavior is required. Existing clients see the existing GPS
+telemetry field when it is present.
+
+## Sensor Nodes
+
+Sensor telemetry access is controlled by:
+
+```text
+get telemetry.access
+set telemetry.access all
+set telemetry.access acl
+```
+
+`all` is the default and matches the previous sensor telemetry behavior. A
+request that reaches the normal sensor telemetry request path can receive the
+requested telemetry fields, including GPS, subject to the request mask and GPS
+freshness rules.
+
+`acl` gates telemetry through the sensor ACL. A requester with read-only or
+higher permissions receives the existing telemetry set, including GPS. Guest or
+unknown requesters receive no telemetry fields.
+
+The scheduled GPS cache refresh follows the same access setting:
+
+- `all`: runs only when at least one ACL client exists
+- `acl`: runs only when at least one ACL client is read-only or higher
+
+Use the existing ACL command to grant access:
+
+```text
+setperm <pubkey> 1
+```
+
+Permission values:
+
+- `1`: read-only, suitable for telemetry access
+- `2`: read-write
+- `3`: admin
+
+## Advert Location
+
+Advert location is separate from telemetry GPS. The advert policy is controlled
+with:
+
+```text
+gps advert
+gps advert none
+gps advert share
+gps advert prefs
+```
+
+Policies:
+
+- `none`: do not include location in adverts
+- `share`: use the live/shared sensor manager location
+- `prefs`: use the stored node latitude and longitude preferences
+
+Telemetry GPS can be fresh while advert location is fixed or disabled, depending
+on this policy.
+
+## Recommended Setup
+
+For private sensor tracking:
+
+```text
+set telemetry.access acl
+setperm <owner_pubkey> 3
+setperm <trusted_pubkey> 1
+```
+
+For compatibility with the older sensor behavior:
+
+```text
+set telemetry.access all
+```
+
+For GPS telemetry behavior, leave the phone app unchanged. The firmware omits
+GPS when it is stale or missing and sends the existing GPS telemetry field when
+fresh data is available.
@@ -2,6 +2,8 @@

 This file covers only CLI settings and helper commands added by the Halo or
 Keymind branches. Use `docs/cli_commands.md` for the general MeshCore CLI.
+See [Repeater Flood Filtering and Moderation](flood_filtering.md) for a focused
+filter setup and troubleshooting guide.

 ## Quick Start

@@ -73,11 +75,25 @@ set flood.retry.ignore none

 | Setting | What it does | How to use | Example |
 | --- | --- | --- | --- |
-| `battery.alert` | Sends opt-in low-battery warnings to `#repeaters`. | `get battery.alert`, `set battery.alert on/off` | `set battery.alert on` |
+| `telemetry.temp`, `telemetry.volt`, `telemetry.gps` | Records 30-minute MCU temperature and battery samples for seven days. GPS-capable builds retain GPS separately for authenticated paging. `telemetry.tx` sends one temperature RAW_CUSTOM packet and one voltage packet over a configured direct path, on a persistent 1-30 day schedule (default two days) or immediately for testing; GPS is never included. Scheduled packets contain 165 points. History resets on reboot. | `get telemetry.temp [page]`, `get telemetry.volt [page]`, `get telemetry.gps [page]`, `set telemetry.gps <1-30>`, `get telemetry.tx`, `set telemetry.tx <off|direct|path>`, `set telemetry.tx schedule <off|1-30d>`, `send telemetry.tx now` | `set telemetry.tx A1B2,C3D4` |
+| `battery.alert` | Sends opt-in, region-scoped low-battery warnings to `#repeaters` after 30 minutes of uptime. | `get battery.alert`, `get battery.alert.region`, `set battery.alert on [region]`, `set battery.alert off` | `set battery.alert on sea` |
 | `battery.alert.low` | Warning threshold percentage. Must be greater than `battery.alert.critical`. | `get battery.alert.low`, `set battery.alert.low <1-100>` | `set battery.alert.low 20` |
-| `battery.alert.critical` | Critical threshold percentage. Critical warnings repeat more often. | `get battery.alert.critical`, `set battery.alert.critical <0-99>` | `set battery.alert.critical 10` |
-| `recent.repeater` | Shows, seeds, or clears the recent repeater prefix/SNR table used by direct retry and bridge freshness checks. | `get recent.repeater`, `get recent.repeater <page>`, `set recent.repeater <prefix> <snr_db>`, `clear recent.repeater` | `set recent.repeater A1B2C3 -8.5` |
+| `battery.alert.critical` | Critical threshold percentage. Critical and warning alerts use the same 12-hour resend cooldown. | `get battery.alert.critical`, `set battery.alert.critical <0-99>` | `set battery.alert.critical 10` |
+| `recent.repeater` | Shows, searches, seeds, or clears the recent repeater prefix/SNR table used by direct retry and bridge freshness checks. Search results include the last-recorded age. Entries older than 24 hours are removed by a three-hour sweep. | `get recent.repeater [page]`, `get recent.repeaters search <2|4|6 hex> [page]`, `set recent.repeater <prefix> <snr_db>`, `clear recent.repeater` | `get recent.repeaters search A1B2` |
+| `flood.channel.data` | Compatibility view for a visible FPF7 `type=grp_data` drop row on generalized repeaters. `off` creates the row and `on` removes it; compact FPF6 builds retain the legacy gate. Use an authenticated `channel=` row when only selected channels should be blocked. | `get flood.channel.data`, `set flood.channel.data on/off` | `set flood.channel.data off` |
+| `flood.channel.data.hops` | Sets the compatibility row's hop range: `all` maps to `hops=all`; `1`-`7` repeats through that hop count and maps to `hops=N+1+`. | `get flood.channel.data.hops`, `set flood.channel.data.hops <all|1-7>` | `set flood.channel.data.hops 7` |
+| `flood.channel.scope` | FPF7 rewrite-phase rows that add a transport scope to received unscoped floods or replace the scope of already-scoped floods. A bare target uses an existing flood-allowed region; `scope=<name>` derives a public hashtag target directly without creating a region, exactly like `flood.filter scope=`. By default, a changed packet bypasses inbound `rxdelay` and is forwarded at the highest outbound queue priority with zero initial `txdelay`, so the selected scope can win at the next hop. `tx=slow` uses an effective inbound `rxdelay` base of `max(2, configured rxdelay * 2)`, retains normal queue priority, and forces the maximum `txdelay` factor of `2.0`; its actual randomized transmit delay ranges from zero through ten packet airtimes. `path=blacklist` and `path=bucket:<1-6>` make a row path-qualified; bridge buckets remain usable while bridge retry is off. An already-matching scope is a no-op. Exact channel keys beat `txt:*`; path-qualified rows beat the ordinary channel fallback. `login:*` covers the remote-login family, and `other:*` covers every remaining flood type, including flood-form TRACE and OTA. Direct traceroute remains outside the flood table. Generalized builds commit these rows with the forward phase and blacklist; compact FPF6 builds retain separate storage. ACL permission `4` can manage the table. | `get flood.channel.scope[.n]`, `set flood.channel.scope[.n] <channel|txt:*|login:*|other:*> <region|scope=name> [path=blacklist|path=bucket:1-6] [tx=slow]`, `del flood.channel.scope.<n>|all` | `set flood.channel.scope #rgdata scope=BlackHole86` |
+| `flood.channel.scope.require` | Switches group-channel region enforcement to opt-in when the table has entries. Listed authenticated `GRP_TXT`/`GRP_DATA` channels must arrive already scoped to a locally allowed region; unscoped, unknown, or denied incoming scopes are dropped before any rewrite can rescue them. Unlisted group channels bypass only the region gate and retain all other forwarding controls. An empty table preserves global region behavior; non-channel payloads are unchanged. ACL permission `4` can manage the table. | `get flood.channel.scope.require[.n]`, `set flood.channel.scope.require[.n] <public|#channel|key>`, `del flood.channel.scope.require.<n>|all` | `set flood.channel.scope.require #bot` |
+| `flood.filter` | Persistent flood-route rules selected by payload type and optional hop range. Generalized repeaters have 63 FPF7 forward slots; FULL ESP32 room servers have 31. Repeaters store their scope-rewrite phase, shared unordered blacklist, and channel-data compatibility state in the same atomic FPF7 image. `path=blacklist` is intended for forwarding abuse containment, including bulk internet-to-mesh dumping, but truncated path IDs are not authenticated identities. Fixed 240 KB STM32WL repeaters retain compact FPF6 filtering and separate blacklist storage. New generalized repeater tables seed slot 1 with `ota all suspend=tempradio` and slot 2 with an authenticated `#wardriving hops=5+` drop. Direct routes and local receive/logging are unchanged. | `get flood.filter[.n]`, `set flood.filter[.n] <type> [N|N+|N-M|all] [scope=<name>] [require=region] [tx=slow] [suspend=tempradio]`, `del flood.filter.<n>|all`; repeater only: `get/set/del flood.filter.blacklist[.n]` | `set flood.filter grp_txt all scope=local tx=slow` |
+| `flood.rule` | Live alias for extended `flood.filter` on rule-engine repeaters and FULL ESP32 room servers. A row can AND packet type, hop range, optional channel authentication, ordered 1/2/3-byte pbyte source prefix, and original scope/region conditions, then drop, rewrite to a direct scope or configured region, enforce a per-row rate, and/or stop lower-priority FPF7 rules. `channel=*` means no channel condition and `type=any channel=*` matches every flood payload type. `scope=BlackHole86` directly derives a regionless sink scope; `region=BlackHole86` would require a configured flood-allowed region. All rows match the original receive-time packet; higher `priority` runs first and lower slot breaks a tie. Repeated rows with one channel key share a per-packet authentication result. Persistent FPF7 stores canonical region names, so region ID reorder or reuse cannot retarget a rule. A missing saved region makes its `region=` rewrite and paired `stop` inert until the name returns, allowing lower safety rows to run. Fixed 240 KB STM32WL profiles keep FPF6 and do not expose this alias; partition sizes are unchanged. | `get flood.rule[.n]`, `set flood.rule[.n] type=<type> [hops=...] [channel=...] [prefix=...] [in=...] <drop|scope=...|region=...|rate=N/min|stop> [priority=0-255]`, `del flood.rule.<n>|all` | `set flood.rule.2 type=grp_data hops=4+ channel=#rgdata in=none scope=BlackHole86` |
+| `flood.moderation` | Decrypts keyed `GRP_TXT` channels and applies drop, per-username messages/minute, and maximum-hop controls, optionally matched against the first 1-3 path hashes. Supports `public`, `#channel`, and 128/256-bit channel keys. Sender names and truncated path hashes are moderation hints, not authenticated identities. | `get flood.moderation[.n]`, `set flood.moderation[.n] <channel> <sender> <drop|rate=X/min|hops=N> [path=...]`, `del flood.moderation.<n>|all` | `set flood.moderation public "Noisy User" rate=5/min hops=4` |
+| `clock.sync.mesh` | Defaults on for all repeater, sensor, and room-server builds; a saved setting overrides that default. It estimates UTC as soon as the configured number of fresh signed-advert or valid Public-channel sources is collected, with a 30-minute bootstrap/retry timer when evidence is still insufficient, then repeats lazily seven days after each successful estimate. New evidence retriggers evaluation after a no-consensus result. `clock.sync.mesh now` queues an immediate LoRa-only attempt without bypassing quorum or source suppression. Only timestamps from firmware build time through build time plus ten years are recorded. Successful CLI, GPS, or WiFi/NTP clock updates suppress LoRa time collection until reboot; after reboot LoRa is the fallback if NTP cannot sync. Status reports the reason a clock was not set; its `.table` and `.1` through `.16` forms inspect collected samples. | `get clock.sync.mesh`, `set clock.sync.mesh <on|off>`, `clock.sync.mesh now`, `get clock.sync.status[.table|.1-.16]` | `set clock.sync.mesh on` |
+| `clock.sync.mesh.edge` | Defaults on so edge infrastructure nodes can collect clock evidence when all packets arrive through one relay path. Verified evidence is observed before the forwarding decision, so disabled forwarding and forwarding filters do not prevent collection. Signed adverts are deduplicated by public key and Public-channel timestamps by case-insensitive display name; all may share one receive path. Public display names are unauthenticated and can be spoofed. Changing this setting clears current clock samples. | `get clock.sync.mesh.edge`, `set clock.sync.mesh.edge <on|off>` | `set clock.sync.mesh.edge on` |
+| `clock.sync.internet` | Adds a read-only internet/NTP estimate at the same initial and seven-day checks on WiFi MQTT repeater-observer builds. Other builds retain the setting but report internet unavailable. | `get clock.sync.internet`, `set clock.sync.internet <on|off>` | `set clock.sync.internet on` |
+| `clock.sync.drift` | Absolute correction threshold in seconds. The clock is moved forward or backward only when the estimate differs by more than this value. | `get clock.sync.drift`, `set clock.sync.drift <30-86400>` | `set clock.sync.drift 3600` |
+| `clock.sync.samples` | Minimum fresh evidence count before mesh time can be used: distinct receive paths in normal mode or distinct advert keys/Public-channel display names in edge mode. A strict majority of all fresh samples is also required. Range `3-16`; default `9`. | `get clock.sync.samples`, `set clock.sync.samples <3-16>` | `set clock.sync.samples 9` |
 | `outpath` | Overrides the primary direct route used for replies to the current remote client. | `get outpath`, `set outpath <hops>`, `set outpath direct`, `set outpath clear`, `set outpath flood` | `set outpath A1B2C3,D4E5F6` |
+| `altpath` | Adds a secondary direct route for repeater replies to the current remote client. | `get altpath`, `set altpath <hops>`, `set altpath direct`, `set altpath clear`, `set altpath flood` | `set altpath 71CE82,BA09F0` |

 ## Other Keymind Commands

@@ -87,18 +103,28 @@ set flood.retry.ignore none

 ## Battery Alerts

-Battery alerts are off by default. When enabled, the repeater checks once per
-minute and sends a flood text warning to `#repeaters` when voltage is above
-`1 V` and the estimated battery percent is below `battery.alert.low`.
+Battery alerts are off by default. Enabling requires a named region. With no
+region argument, the repeater selects the single deepest (most narrow) region
+in the hierarchy; if multiple regions tie, the command asks for an explicit
+region. For example, after `region def west pnw wa w-wa sea`, `set
+battery.alert on` selects `sea`, while `set battery.alert on w-wa` overrides
+the default. Alerts are never sent as unscoped floods, and removing the selected
+region stops alerts until a valid scope is selected again.

-Warnings repeat every `24` hours, or every `12` hours when the estimate is
-below `battery.alert.critical`.
+The repeater suppresses alerts for its first 30 minutes of uptime. It then
+checks every 30 minutes and sends a flood text warning to `#repeaters` when
+voltage is above `1 V` and the estimated battery percent is below
+`battery.alert.low`.
+
+Warnings and critical alerts both use a `12`-hour resend cooldown, beginning
+only after the radio reports that the alert transmission completed.

 Defaults:

 | Setting | Default |
 | --- | ---: |
 | `battery.alert` | `off` |
+| `battery.alert.region` | `<unset>` |
 | `battery.alert.low` | `20` |
 | `battery.alert.critical` | `10` |

@@ -109,8 +135,17 @@ set battery.alert.low 20
 set battery.alert.critical 10
 set battery.alert on
 get battery.alert
+get battery.alert.region
 ```

+CPU power saving remains compatible with the check. The battery timer never
+requests a wake earlier than its 30-minute deadline; when the normal loop is
+already awake after that deadline, no additional wake is needed. Sleeping time
+counts toward the startup delay, and an outbound warning prevents another sleep
+until the queued packet has been handled. This is separate from RX duty-cycle
+power saving, which only cycles the LoRa receiver and does not stop the main
+loop's battery timer.
+
 ## Recent Repeater Table

 Direct retry uses the recent repeater table when `direct.retry.heard` is `on`.
@@ -124,8 +159,14 @@ get recent.repeater
 get recent.repeater 2
 get recent.repeaters 2
 get recent.repeater page 3
+get recent.repeaters search A1
+get recent.repeaters search A1B2 page 2
 ```

+Search matches overlapping 1-, 2-, and 3-byte path hashes. Each matching row
+shows its stored SNR and a whole `s`, `m`, or `h` age measured from the most
+recent recording. Search pages contain up to six rows.
+
 Seed or correct a prefix:

 ```text
@@ -139,18 +180,18 @@ clear recent.repeater
 ```

 Rows are sorted by prefix width, then SNR. A full direct retry failure lowers
-the matching row by `0.25 dB`.
-
-Serial CLI pages contain up to `128` rows. Remote LoRa CLI pages contain up to
-`7` rows.
+the matching row by `0.25 dB`. Unfiltered paged replies contain up to `10`
+rows; an unpaged local serial query prints the full table.

 ## Direct Path Overrides

-`outpath` applies to the current remote client ACL entry. It needs remote
-client context, so it is not useful from the local serial CLI.
+`outpath` and `altpath` apply to the current remote client ACL entry. They need
+remote client context, so they are not useful from the local serial CLI.

 Set paths with comma-separated hop hashes. Each hop must be `2`, `4`, or `6`
-hex characters, and all hops in one path must use the same width.
+hex characters, and all hops in one path must use the same width. Hex input is
+case-insensitive. Replies use uppercase hex and retain the commas, so the value
+can be copied directly into another `set outpath` or `set altpath` command.

 ```text
 get outpath
@@ -158,34 +199,57 @@ set outpath A1B2C3,D4E5F6
 set outpath direct
 set outpath clear
 set outpath flood
+get altpath
+set altpath 71CE82,BA09F0
+set altpath clear
 ```

+For example, both `set altpath 600000,0d2784,f8dada` and
+`Set altpath 600000,0d2784,f8dada` store the same path and reply with:
+
+```text
+> 600000,0D2784,F8DADA
+```
+
+The first CLI word is case-insensitive (`set`, `Set`, and `SET` are the same,
+as are `get`, `Get`, and the other command verbs). Argument case is preserved.
+
 `set outpath direct` sets a zero-hop direct route for a client reachable without
 repeaters. `set outpath clear` forgets the override and lets normal path
 discovery fill it again. `set outpath flood` forces replies to use flood packets
 until the client logs in again.

+When `outpath` is a valid direct path and `altpath` is also a valid, different
+direct path, repeater DM replies send two packets: one on `outpath` and one on
+`altpath`. The secondary `altpath` copy does not create its own direct-retry
+state, so retry tracking stays attached to the primary `outpath` packet.
+`altpath clear` disables the secondary direct reply. `altpath flood` is accepted
+for command symmetry, but it does not create a second flood reply; only a valid
+direct `altpath` sends the second packet.
+
 ## Direct Retry Settings

-Direct retry applies to direct-routed packets. A queued resend is canceled when the next-hop echo is heard.
+Direct retry applies to direct-routed packets. A queued resend is canceled when the next-hop echo is heard. Repeaters expose the settings below; non-repeater firmware uses the same packet-type timing rules with fixed shared base/step timing.

 | Setting | What it does | How to use | Example |
 | --- | --- | --- | --- |
 | `retry.preset` | Applies shared direct and flood retry defaults. Values: `infra`, `rooftop`, `mobile` or `0`, `1`, `2`. | `get retry.preset`, `set retry.preset <value>` | `set retry.preset rooftop` |
 | `direct.retry.heard` | Uses the recent repeater table as the direct retry eligibility gate. | `get direct.retry.heard`, `set direct.retry.heard on/off` | `set direct.retry.heard on` |
 | `direct.retry.margin` | SNR margin in dB above the SF-specific receive floor. | `get direct.retry.margin`, `set direct.retry.margin <0-40>` | `set direct.retry.margin 5` |
-| `direct.retry.count` | Maximum direct retry attempts after initial TX. | `get direct.retry.count`, `set direct.retry.count <1-15>` | `set direct.retry.count 15` |
-| `direct.retry.base` | Base wait in milliseconds before retry; non-TRACE paths under 6 remaining hops scale by `hops / 6`, TRACE paths under 16 by `hops / 16`. | `get direct.retry.base`, `set direct.retry.base <10-5000>` | `set direct.retry.base 175` |
-| `direct.retry.step` | Milliseconds added per retry attempt before the same short-path scaling. | `get direct.retry.step`, `set direct.retry.step <0-5000>` | `set direct.retry.step 100` |
-| `direct.retry.cr` | Adaptive coding-rate thresholds for direct retry packets. Uses `CR4`, `CR5`, `CR7`, or `CR8`; `CR6` is never selected. | `get direct.retry.cr`, `set direct.retry.cr <cr4_min>,<cr5_min>,<cr7_min>,<cr8_max>`, `set direct.retry.cr off` | `set direct.retry.cr 10.0,7.5,2.5,0` |
+| `direct.retry.count` | Maximum direct retry attempts after initial TX. Direct-routed type 2 text packets always use 21 attempts regardless of this setting or the short-path cap. | `get direct.retry.count`, `set direct.retry.count <1-15>` | `set direct.retry.count 15` |
+| `direct.retry.base` | Base wait in milliseconds before retry; packet-length add-on is 3x for TRACE and ANON_REQ/type 7, 7x for TXT_MSG/type 2, and 6x for other direct retry packets. | `get direct.retry.base`, `set direct.retry.base <10-5000>` | `set direct.retry.base 175` |
+| `direct.retry.step` | Milliseconds added per retry attempt after the base, packet-length add-on, and random forwarding jitter. | `get direct.retry.step`, `set direct.retry.step <0-5000>` | `set direct.retry.step 100` |
+| `direct.retry.cr` | Adaptive coding-rate thresholds for repeater direct retry packets. Repeaters use `CR4`, `CR5`, `CR7`, or `CR8`, then escalate by attempt: CR4, CR5, CR7, CR7, then CR8 from a CR4 start; CR5, CR7, CR7, then CR8 from a CR5 start. Non-repeaters start at the current radio CR and follow the same escalation pattern, clamped at CR8. | `get direct.retry.cr`, `set direct.retry.cr <cr4_min>,<cr5_min>,<cr7_min>,<cr8_max>`, `set direct.retry.cr off` | `set direct.retry.cr 10.0,7.5,2.5,0` |

 The default adaptive coding-rate profile is `10.0,7.5,2.5,2.5`.
 SNR `10.0 dB` and up uses `CR4`, `7.5 dB` and up uses `CR5`,
 `2.5 dB` and down uses `CR8`, and the middle band uses `CR7`. If no
 recent repeater table entry is available, retry packets use `CR5`. Use
-`set direct.retry.cr off` to disable adaptive coding-rate overrides. If
-adaptive selection chooses `CR4`, retries after the third attempt use
-`CR5`.
+`set direct.retry.cr off` to disable adaptive coding-rate overrides. Repeater
+attempts escalate from the adaptive starting CR: `CR4`, `CR5`, `CR7`, `CR7`,
+then `CR8` from a `CR4` start; `CR5`, `CR7`, `CR7`, then `CR8` from a `CR5`
+start. Non-repeaters use the current radio CR as the first retry CR and follow
+the same pattern up to `CR8`.

 Preset details:

@@ -218,8 +282,9 @@ the bucket rules below instead.

 | Setting | What it does | How to use | Example |
 | --- | --- | --- | --- |
-| `flood.retry.count` | Base flood retry attempts after initial TX. Hop 1 doubles it, hop 2 uses 1.5x rounded up, and actual attempts cap at `15`; `0` disables flood retry. | `get flood.retry.count`, `set flood.retry.count <0-15>` | `set flood.retry.count 7` |
+| `flood.retry.count` | Base flood retry attempts after initial TX. Role path scaling happens first, then all builds apply payload caps: `REQ` is `0`; `GRP_TXT` keeps up to `15`; remote-login `RESPONSE`, `TXT_MSG`, `ANON_REQ`, and `PATH` keep up to `15` at path count 0 and cap at `2` in transit; every other flood type caps at `1`. A lower calculated value is preserved, and `0` disables flood retry. | `get flood.retry.count`, `set flood.retry.count <0-15>` | `set flood.retry.count 7` |
 | `flood.retry.path` | Maximum path hash count eligible for flood retry, or `off` to disable the gate. | `get flood.retry.path`, `set flood.retry.path <0-63/off>` | `set flood.retry.path 1` |
+| `flood.retry.group.path` | Additional path gate for group data (`type=6`) flood retries. The stricter of this and `flood.retry.path` applies; `off` disables only this additional gate. Setting the general path gate to `0` forces this setting to `off`; a named preset restores the default of `1`. | `get flood.retry.group.path`, `set flood.retry.group.path <0-63/off>` | `set flood.retry.group.path 1` |
 | `flood.retry.advert` | Allows or blocks retry for node advert packets (`type=4`). Default is `off`. | `get flood.retry.advert`, `set flood.retry.advert on/off` | `set flood.retry.advert off` |
 | `flood.retry.prefixes` | Target prefixes. If set, only same-packet echoes from matching last-hop prefixes cancel a retry. | `get flood.retry.prefixes`, `set flood.retry.prefixes <prefixes/none/off>` | `set flood.retry.prefixes BEEBB0,425E5C` |
 | `flood.retry.ignore` | Ignored prefixes. In non-bridge retry, ignored last-hop echoes do not cancel retry. | `get flood.retry.ignore`, `set flood.retry.ignore <prefixes/none/off>` | `set flood.retry.ignore 71CE82,C7618C` |
@@ -227,19 +292,29 @@ the bucket rules below instead.
 | `flood.retry.bucket.<n>` | Shows one bridge bucket. Buckets are numbered `1`-`6`. | `get flood.retry.bucket.<n>` | `get flood.retry.bucket.1` |
 | `flood.retry.bucket` | Sets bridge bucket prefixes. | `set flood.retry.bucket <1-6> <prefixes/none/off>` | `set flood.retry.bucket 1 71CE82,C7618C` |

+Bridge buckets may also be reused as passive `flood.channel.scope`
+path selectors with `path=bucket:<1-6>`. This does not require
+`flood.retry.bridge` to be enabled and does not depend on recent-repeater
+freshness or the retry ignore list.
+
+Forwarded neighbor adverts also use an automatic echo guard in every build. If this node hears a downstream, longer-path echo after transmitting an advert whose signed timestamp is less than six hours old, it will not forward that exact advert again during the six-hour age window. This guard works even when `flood.retry.advert` is off and does not affect self-originated adverts.
+
+Self-originated advert retries are deliberately slow: the first retry waits at least one extra minute beyond the normal airtime-aware delay. Queueing a newer self advert retires queued and future retry attempts for older self adverts without disturbing other flood retry sequences. Companion firmware allows the one slow retry for its own adverts but not for neighbor adverts it relays.
+
 The shared retry preset sets these flood defaults:

-| Preset | Retry count | Path gate |
-| --- | ---: | ---: |
-| `infra` | `1` | `1` |
-| `rooftop` | `3` | `2` |
-| `mobile` | `15` | `1` |
+| Preset | Retry count | Path gate | Group-data path gate |
+| --- | ---: | ---: | ---: |
+| `infra` | `1` | `1` | `1` |
+| `rooftop` | `3` | `2` | `1` |
+| `mobile` | `15` | `1` | `1` |

 Example for path-gated retry:

 ```text
 set retry.preset rooftop
 set flood.retry.path 1
+set flood.retry.group.path 1
 set flood.retry.advert off
 set flood.retry.ignore 71CE82,C7618C
 ```
@@ -320,6 +395,28 @@ Bridge retry stays eligible until every target bucket has been heard or
 least one of its prefixes is fresh in `recent.repeater`. Prefixes in
 `flood.retry.ignore` never count as bucket hits.

+Configuration reports a warning when prefixes in different buckets, including
+bucket 7 (`flood.retry.prefixes`), share the same first byte. A 1-byte path cannot
+distinguish those buckets. Bridge mode therefore excludes every matching bucket
+when that short prefix is the source, and credits every matching target bucket
+when it is heard as an echo. This prevents an ambiguous short prefix from keeping
+an impossible target outstanding through every retry.
+
+Each flood retry wait retains the fixed maximum-frame plus 20 packet-airtime
+delay, then adds random jitter from zero to 200 percent of one additional packet
+airtime. This keeps nearby repeaters from repeating a collision on fixed timing
+while capping the added wait at two frames.
+
+Only one enhanced retry sequence can be active for the same logical flood
+packet. Identical floods still receive their normal transmission, but do not
+multiply the extra attempts. Evicted queued retries release their bridge state,
+and the final echo wait does not reserve a packet-pool entry.
+
+Earlier path hops from a successful bridge echo refresh a separate per-bucket
+reachability cache without an SNR value. Only the final hop, which actually sent
+the received RF frame, updates `recent.repeater` and its SNR. Indirect path hops
+therefore cannot change direct-retry SNR gating or coding-rate selection.
+
 ## Troubleshooting

 If advert packets are still retrying:
@@ -6,7 +6,16 @@ Below are a few quick start guides.

 - [Frequently Asked Questions](./faq.md)
 - [CLI Commands](./cli_commands.md)
+- [Filter Policy Playground](./filter_tool.md)
+- [Telemetry Decoder](./telemetry_decoder.md)
+- [CLI Availability by Firmware Build](./cli_build_matrix.md)
+- [Easy LoRa OTA: ESP32 full images and nRF52 deltas](./ota_easy.md)
+- [Scripted LoRa OTA: Bash and PowerShell](./lora_ota_automation.md)
+- [MeshTower V2 microSD self-updates](./ota_meshtower_v2_sdcard.md)
+- [GPS Tracking](./gps_tracking.md)
 - [Companion Protocol](./companion_protocol.md)
+- [Companion Offline Message Queue](./companion_offline_queue.md)
+- [Full Companion: ESP32 and nRF52](./companion_radio_full.md)
 - [Packet Format](./packet_format.md)
 - [QR Codes](./qr_codes.md)

@@ -18,10 +18,10 @@ Standard KISS framing per the KA9Q/K3MC specification.
 | `0xDD` | TFESC | Escaped FESC (FESC + TFESC = 0xDB) |

 ```
-┌──────┬───────────┬──────────────┬──────┐
-│ FEND │ Type Byte │ Data (escaped)│ FEND │
-│ 0xC0 │  1 byte   │ 0-510 bytes  │ 0xC0 │
-└──────┴───────────┴──────────────┴──────┘
+------+-----------+--------------+------+
+| FEND | Type Byte | Data (escaped)| FEND |
+| 0xC0 |  1 byte   | 0-510 bytes  | 0xC0 |
+------+-----------+--------------+------+
 ```

 ### Type Byte
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ Maximum unescaped frame size: 512 bytes.

 | Command     | Value  | Data               | Description                                                 |
 |-------------|--------|--------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------|
-| Data        | `0x00` | Raw packet         | Queue packet for transmission                               |
+| Data        | `0x00` | Raw packet         | Queue packet for transmission (one pending at a time)       |
 | TXDELAY     | `0x01` | Delay (1 byte)     | Transmitter keyup delay in 10ms units (default: 50 = 500ms) |
 | Persistence | `0x02` | P (1 byte)         | CSMA persistence parameter 0-255 (default: 63)              |
 | SlotTime    | `0x03` | Interval (1 byte)  | CSMA slot interval in 10ms units (default: 10 = 100ms)      |
@@ -58,6 +58,12 @@ Maximum unescaped frame size: 512 bytes.

 Data frames carry raw packet data only, with no metadata prepended. The Data command payload is limited to 255 bytes to match the MeshCore maximum transmission unit (MAX_TRANS_UNIT); frames larger than 255 bytes are silently dropped. The KISS specification recommends at least 1024 bytes for general-purpose TNCs; this modem is intended for MeshCore packets only, whose protocol MTU is 255 bytes.

+Only one packet may be pending for radio transmission at a time. If the host sends a second Data frame before the first has completed, the modem responds with Error (0xF1) and TxBusy (0x07).
+
+### Host Output Backpressure
+
+Outbound frames are encoded into a 2-slot queue and flushed when serial output space is available; `loop()` never blocks on writes. Radio TX state advances independently of host read speed. TxDone is retained until it can be queued. If the outbound queue is full, the modem responds with Error (0xF1) and TxBusy (0x07). Hosts should read serial promptly to avoid delayed responses.
+
 ### CSMA Behavior

 The TNC implements p-persistent CSMA for half-duplex operation:
@@ -76,10 +82,10 @@ MeshCore-specific functionality uses the standard KISS SetHardware command. The
 ### Frame Format

 ```
-┌──────┬──────┬─────────────┬──────────────┬──────┐
-│ FEND │ 0x06 │ Sub-command  │ Data (escaped)│ FEND │
-│ 0xC0 │      │   1 byte    │   variable   │ 0xC0 │
-└──────┴──────┴─────────────┴──────────────┴──────┘
+------+------+-------------+--------------+------+
+| FEND | 0x06 | Sub-command | Data (escaped)| FEND |
+| 0xC0 |      |   1 byte    |   variable   | 0xC0 |
+------+------+-------------+--------------+------+
 ```

 ### Request Sub-commands (Host to TNC)
@@ -156,15 +162,15 @@ Response codes use the high-bit convention: `response = command | 0x80`. Generic
 | MacFailed     | `0x04` | MAC verification failed |
 | UnknownCmd    | `0x05` | Unknown sub-command     |
 | EncryptFailed | `0x06` | Encryption failed       |
-| TxBusy        | `0x07` | Transmit busy           |
+| TxBusy        | `0x07` | Radio TX busy, or host output queue full |

 ### Unsolicited Events

 The TNC sends these SetHardware frames without a preceding request:

-**TxDone (0xF8)**: Sent after a packet has been transmitted. Contains a single byte: 0x01 for success, 0x00 for failure.
+**TxDone (0xF8)**: Sent after radio transmission completes. Contains a single byte: 0x01 for success, 0x00 for failure. Delivery to the host may be delayed under serial backpressure but is not dropped.

-**RxMeta (0xF9)**: Sent immediately after each standard data frame (type 0x00) with metadata for the received packet. Contains SNR (1 byte, signed, value x4 for 0.25 dB precision) followed by RSSI (1 byte, signed, dBm). Enabled by default; can be toggled with SetSignalReport. Standard KISS clients ignore this frame.
+**RxMeta (0xF9)**: Sent after each standard data frame (type 0x00) with SNR (1 byte, signed, value x4) and RSSI (1 byte, signed, dBm). Queued with the data frame; omitted if the data frame cannot be queued. Enabled by default; toggle with SetSignalReport. Standard KISS clients ignore this frame.

 ## Data Formats

@@ -235,7 +241,7 @@ All values little-endian.

 | Field       | Size    | Description                                |
 |-------------|---------|--------------------------------------------|
-| Temperature | 2 bytes | int16_t, tenths of °C (e.g., 253 = 25.3°C) |
+| Temperature | 2 bytes | int16_t, tenths of degC (e.g., 253 = 25.3degC) |

 Returns `NoCallback` error if the board does not support temperature readings.

@@ -274,7 +280,7 @@ Data returned in CayenneLPP format. See [CayenneLPP documentation](https://docs.

 ## Notes

- Data payload limit (255 bytes) matches MeshCore MAX_TRANS_UNIT; no change needed for KISS “1024+ recommended” (that applies to general TNCs, not MeshCore)
+- Data payload limit (255 bytes) matches MeshCore MAX_TRANS_UNIT; no change needed for KISS "1024+ recommended" (that applies to general TNCs, not MeshCore)
 - Modem generates identity on first boot (stored in flash)
 - All multi-byte values are little-endian unless stated otherwise
 - SNR values in RxMeta are multiplied by 4 for 0.25 dB precision
@@ -0,0 +1,506 @@
+# Scripted LoRa OTA from start to finish
+
+The dedicated [RAK3401 chain report](rak3401_mota_chain.md) records the
+physical failures of withdrawn migrations and the physically qualified compact
+nine-step replacement. Its runner blocks the withdrawn chains and pins every
+accepted bridge image by SHA-256.
+
+[`tools/lora_ota/lora_ota.sh`](https://github.com/mikecarper/MeshCore/blob/keymindCascade/tools/lora_ota/lora_ota.sh) and
+[`tools/lora_ota/lora_ota.ps1`](https://github.com/mikecarper/MeshCore/blob/keymindCascade/tools/lora_ota/lora_ota.ps1) automate a
+MeshCore LoRa firmware update from a release `.zip` or ready `.mota`. They
+identify the destination, validate the hardware and running firmware, prepare
+the right container, move the participating nodes to a temporary radio
+channel, serve and monitor the download, request installation, restore the
+controller, and check the rebooted node.
+
+The script cannot install the destination's first OTA-capable firmware or its
+nRF52 bootloader. Do those one-time jobs over USB before using LoRa OTA.
+
+## Required topology
+
+The reliable serial topology uses two local radios:
+
+```text
+                                      authenticated admin commands
+computer -- MeshCore binary API --> controller Companion -------------------+
+   |                                                                         |
+   +-- raw text CLI + mOTA seeder --> OTA source ---- LoRa OTA blocks ----> target
+                                                        |                    ^
+                                                        +-- relay(s) --------+
+```
+
+- **Controller:** a Companion connected through serial, TCP, or BLE. The
+  script uses `meshcli` to send remote admin commands to the target and changes
+  the controller's live radio parameters during the transfer. A serial
+  Companion stays in its normal **Binary** USB mode at 115200 baud.
+- **OTA source:** an OTA-enabled repeater/FULL node whose USB port is a raw
+  text CLI, an ESP32 `companion_radio_full` using WiFi ports 5001 and 5002, or
+  an nRF52 `companion_radio_full` whose USB port switches between Binary,
+  terminal control, and exclusive mOTA seeding.
+- **Target:** an OTA-enabled ESP32 or nRF52 node present in the controller's
+  contact list. Its admin password is required.
+- **Relays:** optional. They do not need to install OTA themselves, but every
+  relay on the path must be running current firmware and have an overlapping
+  TempRadio window.
+
+One serial port cannot serve both controller roles: `meshcli` must keep
+reopening the controller while `motatool` owns the source port. The script
+rejects an attempt to use the same port for both.
+
+The USB ASCII switch (`+++MESHCORE-TERM-START`) is the local control path, not
+the mOTA data framing. On an nRF52 full Companion, the script uses that mode
+briefly for `ota status` and TempRadio commands. It then closes the CLI and
+starts `motatool`, whose existing `ota folder on` preamble switches the same
+USB port into exclusive mOTA mode. On an ESP32 Full Companion with serial
+folder support, `motatool --companion-terminal` keeps the ASCII session open
+while the same link carries framed folder requests. BLE remains available.
+
+## Destination requirements
+
+| Destination | Package installed | One-time prerequisite | Raw ZIP handling |
+| --- | --- | --- | --- |
+| ESP32 | Full application image | OTA-enabled image with an A/B partition table | Builds a full mOTA from the matching non-merged application `.bin` |
+| nRF52, internal flash | In-place delta | Exact-board OTAFIX bootloader with mOTA apply support | Requires `--base` with the exact image currently running |
+| MeshTower V2 nRF52, microSD | Full image or in-place delta | SD-aware exact-board OTAFIX bootloader and compatible card | Builds a full mOTA; adding `--base` requests a delta |
+
+The firmware inside a raw ZIP must have a valid MeshCore `EndF` trailer. An
+ESP32 merged/factory image is not an application image and is rejected. A
+generic vendor DFU ZIP may also be unusable if it does not contain the raw
+EndF-bearing `.hex` or `.bin`.
+
+For an internal-flash nRF52, the exact base image is irreducible information.
+The node reports its eight-byte body hash, but that hash cannot reconstruct the
+firmware bytes needed to create a delta. Keep the `.pio/build/ENV/firmware.hex`
+that was actually flashed. A matching filename or version alone is not enough.
+
+## 1. Install the host tools
+
+Install Python 3.10 or newer, [Rust](https://rustup.rs/), Git, the official
+[`meshcore-cli`](https://github.com/meshcore-dev/meshcore-cli), and the official
+[`motatool`](https://github.com/vk496/motatool).
+
+On Bash:
+
+```bash
+python3 -m pip install --user pipx
+python3 -m pipx ensurepath
+pipx install meshcore-cli
+
+git clone https://github.com/vk496/motatool.git
+cargo install --path ./motatool
+
+meshcli -v
+motatool --version
+```
+
+On PowerShell:
+
+```powershell
+py -m pip install --user pipx
+py -m pipx ensurepath
+pipx install meshcore-cli
+
+git clone https://github.com/vk496/motatool.git
+cargo install --path .\motatool
+
+meshcli -v
+motatool --version
+```
+
+Restart the shell if `pipx` or Cargo reports that it changed `PATH`.
+
+## 2. Identify and test both local links
+
+List serial devices:
+
+```bash
+meshcli -l
+```
+
+The examples below assume `/dev/ttyACM0` is the controller and
+`/dev/ttyACM1` is the OTA source. On Windows they might be `COM7` and `COM8`.
+Close picocom, a serial monitor, the phone app, and any other program holding
+either link.
+
+Test the controller's binary API:
+
+```bash
+meshcli -s /dev/ttyACM0 -b 115200 ver
+```
+
+For an ordinary raw-text source, test its OTA support:
+
+```bash
+meshcli -r -s /dev/ttyACM1 -b 115200 "ota status"
+```
+
+The command must print an `OTA | ... target:XXXXXXXX` status.
+
+For an nRF52 full Companion, open the source port with terminal mode selected
+automatically:
+
+```bash
+picocom -b 115200 \
+  --imap spchex \
+  --initstring '+++MESHCORE-TERM-START' \
+  /dev/ttyACM1
+```
+
+Run `ota status`. It must report `OTA seeder`, `install:disabled`, and target
+`00000000`; send `+++MESHCORE-TERM-STOP` before closing the terminal. The
+automation detects and performs this token-wrapped preflight itself, so no
+extra command-line option is needed.
+
+For an ESP32 full Companion, test its separate WiFi control console instead:
+
+```bash
+printf 'ota status\r\n' | nc 192.168.1.50 5002
+```
+
+It must report `OTA seeder`, `install:disabled`, and target `00000000`.
+
+Changing a terminal to 57600 baud does not select ASCII mode. USB Companion
+builds and the normal raw management CLI use 115200 unless a particular build
+was explicitly configured otherwise.
+
+## 3. Check the destination once
+
+The destination must be in the controller's contacts and remotely reachable
+on the normal channel. The script runs these authenticated checks itself:
+
+```text
+ota status
+get bootloader.ver
+ota self
+ota stats
+```
+
+The script uses `get bootloader.ver` to distinguish ESP32 from nRF52 and, for
+nRF52, report the installed bootloader version. It then requires `ota self` to
+report `bootloader: apply OK` or `bootloader: SD apply OK` and checks the
+reported bootloader ABI and codec mask against the selected package. If the
+version command is unavailable on older firmware, the script warns and falls
+back to the legacy `ota self` platform marker. If an nRF52 bootloader lacks
+the required capabilities, install the exact-board OTAFIX bootloader first.
+
+The default TempRadio tuple is:
+
+```text
+909.950,250,5,5,120
+```
+
+The test default is 250 kHz bandwidth, SF5, and CR5. The frequency is only a
+North American example: choose a legal frequency supported by every
+participating radio and appropriate to your location. Older radios that do not
+support SF5 require a complete replacement tuple passed with `--temp-radio`.
+
+## 4. Run an ESP32 update
+
+The ZIP can contain a compatible ready `.mota` or the exact board-and-role
+non-merged application `.bin`:
+
+```bash
+export MESHCORE_ADMIN_PASSWORD='target-admin-password'
+
+./tools/lora_ota/lora_ota.sh ./release.zip "Roof ESP32" \
+  --controller-serial /dev/ttyACM0 \
+  --source-serial /dev/ttyACM1
+```
+
+The script shows the detected target, hardware, running hash, chosen package,
+version, manifest ID, and action before asking for confirmation. For an
+unattended job, add `--yes`:
+
+```bash
+./tools/lora_ota/lora_ota.sh ./release.mota "Roof ESP32" \
+  --controller-serial /dev/ttyACM0 \
+  --source-serial /dev/ttyACM1 \
+  --yes
+```
+
+PowerShell equivalents:
+
+```powershell
+$env:MESHCORE_ADMIN_PASSWORD = 'target-admin-password'
+
+& .\tools\lora_ota\lora_ota.ps1 '.\release.zip' 'Roof ESP32' `
+  --controller-serial COM7 `
+  --source-serial COM8
+
+& .\tools\lora_ota\lora_ota.ps1 '.\release.mota' 'Roof ESP32' `
+  --controller-serial COM7 `
+  --source-serial COM8 `
+  --yes
+```
+
+Prefer the environment variable or the interactive password prompt. Passing
+`--password` works, but the wrapper's own command line may be visible to other
+local processes. The runner keeps the password out of child `meshcli` command
+lines and removes its protected temporary command file after each call.
+
+## 5. Run an internal-flash nRF52 update
+
+If the input ZIP already contains a compatible in-place delta `.mota`, no
+base argument is needed: its embedded base hash is compared with the live
+node. If the ZIP contains raw new firmware, supply the exact running image:
+
+```bash
+./tools/lora_ota/lora_ota.sh ./nrf52-new-release.zip "Hill nRF52" \
+  --base ./firmware-that-is-running.hex \
+  --controller-serial /dev/ttyACM0 \
+  --source-serial /dev/ttyACM1
+```
+
+```powershell
+& .\tools\lora_ota\lora_ota.ps1 '.\nrf52-new-release.zip' 'Hill nRF52' `
+  --base '.\firmware-that-is-running.hex' `
+  --controller-serial COM7 `
+  --source-serial COM8
+```
+
+Before building the delta, the runner proves that the base's target ID,
+hardware identity, firmware version when available, and `EndF` body hash match
+the live destination. It then asks `motatool` for codec 2, the nRF52 in-place
+format. The normal workspace is `0x98000`.
+
+For the SD-backed MeshTower V2 target, a raw ZIP becomes a full image without
+`--base`. Supplying an exact base requests a smaller in-place delta and
+automatically selects its `0xC7000` workspace. An explicit
+`--inplace-memory` overrides the automatic value.
+
+## 6. Add intermediate relays
+
+List relays from farthest to nearest so each command is sent before its route
+moves to TempRadio. A bare relay name uses the destination password; use
+`NAME=PASSWORD` when it differs:
+
+```bash
+./tools/lora_ota/lora_ota.sh ./release.mota "Remote Target" \
+  --controller-serial /dev/ttyACM0 \
+  --source-serial /dev/ttyACM1 \
+  --relay "Far Relay=far-password" \
+  --relay "Near Relay=near-password"
+```
+
+PowerShell uses the same arguments:
+
+```powershell
+& .\tools\lora_ota\lora_ota.ps1 '.\release.mota' 'Remote Target' `
+  --controller-serial COM7 `
+  --source-serial COM8 `
+  --relay 'Far Relay=far-password' `
+  --relay 'Near Relay=near-password'
+```
+
+## Other connection choices
+
+The controller can use any one of:
+
+```text
+--controller-serial PORT
+--controller-tcp HOST[:PORT]       # default port 5000
+--controller-ble ADDRESS_OR_NAME
+```
+
+An ESP32 FULL/repeater source can serve over its dedicated WiFi seeder port
+while its raw USB CLI is used to start TempRadio:
+
+```bash
+./tools/lora_ota/lora_ota.sh ./release.mota "Remote Target" \
+  --controller-serial /dev/ttyACM0 \
+  --source-tcp 192.168.1.50:5001 \
+  --source-cli-serial /dev/ttyACM1
+```
+
+An ESP32 `companion_radio_full` uses WiFi for both dedicated source links:
+
+```bash
+./tools/lora_ota/lora_ota.sh ./release.mota "Remote Target" \
+  --controller-serial /dev/ttyACM0 \
+  --source-tcp 192.168.1.50:5001 \
+  --source-cli-tcp 192.168.1.50:5002
+```
+
+Port 5002 defaults automatically when it is omitted from
+`--source-cli-tcp`. The source-only Companion never stages or installs the
+image itself; it streams the host folder to other nodes over LoRa. See the
+[full Companion guide](./companion_radio_full.md) for manual operation and
+interface details.
+
+An nRF52 `companion_radio_full` uses one USB source port sequentially. The
+runner automatically wraps local control commands in the terminal tokens, and
+unmodified `motatool` switches that port into mOTA mode when seeding starts:
+
+```bash
+./tools/lora_ota/lora_ota.sh ./release.mota "Remote Target" \
+  --controller-serial /dev/ttyACM0 \
+  --source-serial /dev/ttyACM1
+```
+
+If the source is already on the exact TempRadio tuple through a scheduled or
+manual operation, `--source-already-temp` lets a TCP source run without a raw
+CLI link. The script cannot verify, extend, or shorten that source window, so
+leave a comfortable time margin.
+
+Use `--controller-baud` or `--source-baud` only for a build whose corresponding
+interface is genuinely configured to another speed.
+
+## Package selection and safety gates
+
+For a ZIP, the runner first examines every `.mota` without extracting paths.
+It keeps only packages matching the live target, hardware, base, platform,
+codec, and bootloader capabilities. It chooses the newest compatible version
+and prefers a delta over a full image at the same version. If equally suitable
+files differ, select one explicitly:
+
+```text
+--zip-member path/inside/archive/update.mota
+```
+
+If no ready mOTA is usable, it searches `.bin` and `.hex` members for a valid,
+matching `EndF`, then builds the platform-appropriate container. Every result
+is structurally checked by the runner and independently passed through
+`motatool verify` before any radio changes. Direct firmware and mOTA inputs, as
+well as individual ZIP members, are rejected above 64 MiB before being loaded.
+
+Useful controls:
+
+- `--public-key signer.key.pub` requires a particular Ed25519 signer during
+  verification.
+- `--sign-key signer.key` signs a newly built container.
+- `--no-install` downloads and verifies the image but leaves it staged. By
+  default the runner then schedules the target, relays, and a script-configured
+  source back to their normal radios. Combining it with
+  `--leave-controller-radio` deliberately preserves the TempRadio topology.
+- `--allow-non-upgrade` deliberately permits the same or an older version.
+- `--replace-active-download` deliberately discards a different update already
+  downloading or staged on the target. Without it, that update is preserved.
+- `--source-shares-controller` is for a Full Companion whose USB Binary API is
+  the controller while its TCP port `5001` is the source. It verifies that the
+  source's port-`5000` public key equals the controller key. The Binary API
+  first moves the shared physical radio, port `5002` then enables the local OTA
+  egress gate, and cleanup sends `normalradio` before restoring the saved
+  Binary radio tuple.
+- `--require-system-watchdog-off` checks `get system.watchdog` immediately
+  before every `ota install` transmission and refuses installation unless the
+  destination reports `> off`. Use it for nRF52 chains whose bootloader cannot
+  service an application watchdog inherited across reset.
+- Managed `--relay` nodes have their original `rxdelay` and `txdelay` captured
+  in the work directory. During transfer the runner verifies `rxdelay 0` and
+  an airtime-scaled `txdelay 0.3` (override with `--relay-txdelay`), then
+  restores both values before the relay leaves TempRadio.
+- `--work-dir PATH` chooses a new, non-existent work directory.
+- `--meshcli PATH` and `--motatool PATH` select binaries not on `PATH`.
+
+For offline package preparation only:
+
+```bash
+./tools/lora_ota/lora_ota.sh ./release.zip offline \
+  --prepare-only \
+  --platform nrf52 \
+  --target-id 1234ABCD \
+  --target-base-hash 0011223344556677 \
+  --target-hw Heltec_T114 \
+  --base ./firmware-that-is-running.hex
+```
+
+Live operation is safer because the script obtains these values directly from
+the destination.
+
+## What happens during a run
+
+1. Validate the input paths and host tools, then prove the source is either an
+   OTA-enabled raw CLI or a source-only full Companion control interface.
+2. Authenticate to the target and query its target ID, hardware, running body
+   hash, firmware version, bootloader version, and nRF52 bootloader
+   capabilities.
+3. Select or build one compatible mOTA and verify all block hashes, Merkle
+   root, full-image hash where applicable, identity fields, signature, codec,
+   base, and the firmware's 1024-byte maximum block size.
+4. Save the controller's normal radio tuple and show the confirmation prompt.
+5. Start TempRadio on the target, then far-to-near relays, then the source;
+   finally switch the controller to the same tuple and read it back. The runner
+   rejects a TempRadio window that cannot cover setup, seeder startup,
+   discovery, the transfer timeout, final polling, and install checks.
+6. Start `motatool serve`, discover the exact eight-hex manifest ID, request
+   `ota pull <id> flash`, and poll until that same ID reports ready. A seeder
+   process exit stops the run immediately. For `--no-install`, schedule all
+   script-controlled nodes back to their normal radios before restoring the
+   controller, unless `--leave-controller-radio` was requested.
+7. Recheck that exact ID, give the target a short final TempRadio safety window,
+   and request `ota install`. Then shorten each relay's TempRadio window so the
+   normal multi-hop route returns, stop the seeder, shorten the source window,
+   restore the controller, and probe `ota self` at 10 and 20 seconds instead of
+   sleeping for 90 seconds. The exact new body hash is the readiness signal;
+   only then does the runner require the exact package version. A relayed run
+   continues the 10-second probes through the mandatory relay-return window. A
+   source supplied with `--source-already-temp` is never modified.
+   `--leave-controller-radio` moves the controller back to TempRadio only after
+   this normal-channel verification.
+
+Remote replies are matched only after queued messages have been drained and
+only when they come from the intended contact and fit the command. A ready
+status for another manifest ID is an error, never permission to install it.
+
+## Transmission loss and retries
+
+Read-only and replay-safe transmissions retry up to three times. Three retries
+or 90 seconds, whichever comes first, opens a 10-second stop-or-continue
+prompt. Continue is the default on timeout, Enter, and unattended input, so a
+temporary outage does not silently abandon a resumable transfer. Enter `s` or
+`stop` to end the run; Ctrl-C also remains immediate.
+
+Commands that change OTA state are reconciled before replay:
+
+- After a lost `ota pull` reply, `ota status` must show the requested manifest
+  ID before the runner treats the pull as started. Otherwise the safe retry
+  policy applies.
+- A lost `ota install` reply is not blindly resent. After a short wait, it is
+  sent again only if the target replies that the same manifest is still ready.
+  If the target has stopped replying because it may be rebooting, the runner
+  restores the normal path and lets post-reboot identity resolve the outcome.
+  The target's final three-minute safety window also returns a non-rebooting
+  target to the normal channel promptly.
+
+Retries and operator-selected continuation can outlast the original TempRadio
+budget. If a bounded window expires, rerun the same package after the nodes
+return to their normal channel; the manifest-ID check resumes its partial
+download without replacing it.
+
+The working directory is retained and printed at exit. It contains the exact
+served mOTA, `motatool-serve.log`, extracted build inputs when needed, and
+`controller-radio.txt`. It contains no saved admin password.
+
+## Interruption and recovery
+
+Ctrl-C stops the seeder, detaches its serial folder, makes one best-effort
+request to shorten a source TempRadio window started by the script, and attempts
+to restore the controller. The target and relays remain on TempRadio only until
+their bounded windows end; rebooting also restores their saved radio settings.
+A partial download remains safe. Once the target is reachable again (after its
+TempRadio window ends, or after putting the controller back on that tuple),
+rerunning the same package recognizes its manifest ID and resumes the existing
+session instead of clearing it.
+
+A hard process kill or host power loss cannot run cleanup. Recover a serial
+controller using the tuple saved in the printed work directory:
+
+```bash
+radio=$(tr -d '\r\n' < ./meshcore-lora-ota-20260807-123456-1234/controller-radio.txt)
+meshcli -s /dev/ttyACM0 set radio "$radio"
+```
+
+```powershell
+$radio = (Get-Content '.\meshcore-lora-ota-...\controller-radio.txt' -Raw).Trim()
+meshcli -s COM7 set radio $radio
+```
+
+If you stop during final confirmation, reconnect on the node's normal channel
+and run `ota self` and `ver`. A completed run returns success only when
+`ota self` reports a valid new body hash and `ver` exactly matches the package;
+an unverified install returns status 2. Do not immediately replace a staged
+image: the default active-download guard preserves it until you explicitly use
+`--replace-active-download` or run `ota cancel`.
+
+Exit status is `0` for success, `2` for a validation or operational error, and
+`130` for Ctrl-C.
@@ -0,0 +1,153 @@
+# Shrinking the per-connection TLS footprint on non-PSRAM observers
+
+## Why
+
+On a non-PSRAM Heltec V3 running two WSS/JWT broker slots, the largest allocatable block in
+internal DRAM walks down in ~16 KiB steps at every TLS reconnect while total free heap stays
+flat. Measured on hardware over 50 reconnect cycles: 62,452 -> 16,372 bytes, permanently.
+
+The step size is not a coincidence. `framework-arduinoespressif32 3.20017` (Arduino 2.0.17,
+IDF 4.4) builds mbedTLS with the **symmetric** buffer configuration:
+
+```
+CONFIG_MBEDTLS_SSL_MAX_CONTENT_LEN 16384      # sizes BOTH the in and out record buffers
+CONFIG_MBEDTLS_SSL_KEEP_PEER_CERTIFICATE 1
+# CONFIG_MBEDTLS_ASYMMETRIC_CONTENT_LEN       -- not defined
+# CONFIG_MBEDTLS_DYNAMIC_BUFFER               -- not defined
+# CONFIG_MBEDTLS_SSL_VARIABLE_BUFFER_LENGTH   -- not defined
+```
+
+Read from `packages/framework-arduinoespressif32/tools/sdk/esp32s3/qio_qspi/include/sdkconfig.h`.
+Note the separate `framework-arduinoespressif32-libs` package in `~/.platformio` belongs to
+the esp32c6 env (pioarduino, IDF 5.3) and is **not** what this env links against -- though it
+happens to carry identical mbedTLS values.
+
+So each broker slot costs **2 x 16 KiB = 32 KiB** of contiguous internal DRAM in record
+buffers alone, and two slots cost 64 KiB on a board with roughly 80 KiB free. Every reconnect
+frees and re-allocates those buffers, and anything that lands in the vacated hole in between
+prevents them from going back, which is the ratchet.
+
+Confirmed by two independent observations: losing a whole TLS session returned exactly 16,384
+bytes of contiguity on one device and exactly 32,768 on another, and per-connection teardown
+frees ~41.6-44.7 KB total.
+
+## What the firmware could already do, and its limit
+
+`softDisconnect()` (branch `perf/mqtt-renewal-no-stop`, commit `6c51e468`) stops the JWT
+renewal bounce from destroying and recreating the esp-mqtt task, keeping its 6 KiB stack out
+of the hole. Measured: the staircase arrests after 2 steps at 36,852 through cycle 16, where
+the baseline took 4 steps and settled at 16,372 by cycle 11 -- about 20 KB better.
+
+That is as far as the application layer reaches. MQTT 3.1.1 has no re-authentication packet,
+so presenting a fresh JWT *requires* a transport reconnect; mbedTLS's internal allocation
+order during the handshake is not controllable from the application. The remaining cost is
+the record buffers themselves.
+
+## The changes
+
+All three are compile-time in mbedTLS, and the Arduino framework ships precompiled `.a`
+archives (`tools/sdk/esp32s3/lib/libmbedtls.a`), so a project-level `-D` cannot change them.
+A custom framework build is required.
+
+| Setting | From | To | Saving per connection |
+|---|---|---|---|
+| `CONFIG_MBEDTLS_ASYMMETRIC_CONTENT_LEN` | unset | `y` | enables the two below |
+| `CONFIG_MBEDTLS_SSL_IN_CONTENT_LEN` | 16384 (implied) | 16384 | none -- keep it |
+| `CONFIG_MBEDTLS_SSL_OUT_CONTENT_LEN` | 16384 (implied) | 4096 | **~12 KiB** |
+| `CONFIG_MBEDTLS_SSL_KEEP_PEER_CERTIFICATE` | `1` | `n` | ~4 KiB |
+
+Roughly 16 KiB per connection, 32 KiB across two slots.
+
+### Why inbound stays at 16 KiB
+
+A peer may legitimately send a 16 KiB TLS record. Lowering the inbound limit only works if
+both brokers negotiate the max-fragment-length extension or provably never send larger, and
+getting it wrong produces invalid-record and handshake failures rather than a clean error.
+Outbound is ours to choose: this firmware's MQTT and WebSocket frames are far below 4 KiB
+(`MAX_TRANS_UNIT`-bounded packets plus small JSON), so 4 KiB is comfortable.
+
+### Risk on the peer certificate
+
+Dropping `KEEP_PEER_CERTIFICATE` means `mbedtls_ssl_get_peer_cert()` returns NULL after the
+handshake. Chain validation still happens -- only retention of the parsed leaf changes. This
+firmware verifies against a CA (`GTS_ROOT_R4` / the bundle) and never inspects the peer
+certificate or a fingerprint, so it should be safe. It does change `mbedtls_ssl_session`
+layout, which is exactly why the whole framework must be rebuilt together rather than
+swapping a single archive in.
+
+## Build procedure
+
+### Do not use esp32-arduino-lib-builder for this
+
+`release/v4.4` is the branch matching Arduino 2.0.x, but its `update-components.sh` clones
+every dependency at **master**, so it no longer resolves. Five successive failures, each a
+different repo: the arduino branch name it passes to `-A` does not exist; `jq` is absent
+from the IDF image and its absence makes `build.sh`'s target loop a **silent no-op that
+still exits 0**; `esp_littlefs` and `esp32-camera` master require IDF >=5.0/>=5.1;
+`esp32-camera` later needs an `esp_jpeg` version the 4.4 registry cannot satisfy; and
+tinyusb's source layout no longer matches `arduino_tinyusb/CMakeLists.txt`. Pinning each
+one in turn just surfaces the next.
+
+### Rebuild only the mbedTLS archives
+
+More rigorous anyway, because it reuses the shipped `sdkconfig` verbatim -- so the archives
+differ from stock *only* by the intended change, with no arduino-version or
+`DYNAMIC_BUFFER` drift.
+
+This is ABI-safe for the content-length change specifically: `ssl.h` declares `in_buf` and
+`out_buf` as `unsigned char *`, allocated in `ssl_setup()`, and no public struct embeds a
+CONTENT_LEN-sized array. The other precompiled archives (esp-tls, esp_http_client,
+esp-mqtt) therefore remain compatible. **It is not safe for
+`CONFIG_MBEDTLS_SSL_KEEP_PEER_CERTIFICATE`**, which changes `mbedtls_ssl_session` layout --
+that one needs everything rebuilt together, so it is excluded here.
+
+1. Minimal IDF project whose only component requirement is `mbedtls`.
+2. `sdkconfig.defaults` = the shipped
+   `packages/framework-arduinoespressif32/tools/sdk/esp32s3/sdkconfig`, with
+   `CONFIG_MBEDTLS_SSL_MAX_CONTENT_LEN=16384` replaced by the three asymmetric lines.
+   Verify the diff is exactly 5 lines before building.
+3. `docker run --rm -v $PWD:/project -w /project espressif/idf:v4.4.7 idf.py -DIDF_TARGET=esp32s3 build`
+4. Confirm `build/config/sdkconfig.h` carries `OUT_CONTENT_LEN 4096`.
+5. Stage the four archives under the framework's names -- note the rename:
+
+   | built | framework name | stock size | rebuilt |
+   |---|---|---:|---:|
+   | `esp-idf/mbedtls/libmbedtls.a` | `libmbedtls.a` | 113,914 | 113,338 |
+   | `esp-idf/mbedtls/mbedtls/library/libmbedtls.a` | **`libmbedtls_2.a`** | 1,252,150 | 1,245,718 |
+   | `.../libmbedcrypto.a` | `libmbedcrypto.a` | 4,302,698 | 4,259,458 |
+   | `.../libmbedx509.a` | `libmbedx509.a` | 676,590 | 673,318 |
+
+   All within ~1% of stock, which is a good check that only the config differs.
+
+### Wire it in with -L, never platform_packages
+
+```
+PLATFORMIO_BUILD_FLAGS="-L/path/to/staged/archives" pio run -e Heltec_v3_repeater_observer_mqtt
+```
+
+Verify with `grep -oE "[^ ]*libmbed[a-z0-9_]*\.a" .pio/build/<env>/firmware.map | sort -u` --
+every path must be the staged directory.
+
+**Do not** point `platform_packages` at a `file://` copy of the framework. PlatformIO
+installs it *over* the shared `~/.platformio/packages/framework-arduinoespressif32`,
+silently changing mbedTLS for every other ESP32 env and project on the machine. It does this
+even when the copy's `package.json` version differs -- verified twice here, and both times the
+fix was `rm -rf` the package and `pio pkg install` to re-download stock. A prepended library
+search path keeps the change scoped to one env, because the linker takes each archive member
+from the first archive that satisfies an undefined symbol.
+
+## How to verify it worked
+
+1. `strings`/`grep` the new `sdkconfig.h` for the four settings.
+2. Build and check the RAM figure; static usage should be unchanged (these are heap buffers).
+3. On hardware, `get mqtt.stats` at boot with two slots connected: the largest free block
+   should start roughly 24-32 KiB higher than the current 62-67 KiB.
+4. Soak across reconnect cycles and compare the floor against the two recorded runs:
+   baseline settled 16,372 (cycle 11); `softDisconnect` holds 36,852 (cycle 16).
+
+## Prior art in this investigation
+
+`.scratch/mqtt-non-psram-heap-staircase-analysis-2026-08-05.md` (untracked -- `.scratch/` is
+globally gitignored) holds the full allocation inventory. `~/mqtt-soak/STATE.md` holds the
+soak evidence, including two retracted hypotheses worth not repeating: the perf commits were
+not the cause, and waev does not cap connections per IP.
@@ -16,6 +16,9 @@ The nRF52 Power Management module provides battery protection features to preven
 - Configures the nRF52's Low Power Comparator (LPCOMP) before entering SYSTEMOFF
 - Enables USB VBUS detection so external power can wake the device
 - Device automatically wakes when battery voltage rises above recovery threshold or when VBUS is detected
+- Uses no LPCOMP hysteresis; on divided battery inputs the additional 50 mV
+  comparator hysteresis can move the effective battery wake point by several
+  hundred millivolts and strand an otherwise charged node

 ### Early Boot Register Capture
 - Captures RESETREAS (reset reason) and GPREGRET2 (shutdown reason) before SystemInit() clears them
@@ -34,31 +37,32 @@ Shutdown reason codes (stored in GPREGRET2):

 ## Supported Boards

-
-| Board                                     | Implemented | LPCOMP wake | VBUS wake |
-|-------------------------------------------|-------------|-------------|-----------|
-| Seeed Studio XIAO nRF52840 (`xiao_nrf52`) | Yes         | Yes         | Yes       |
-| RAK4631 (`rak4631`)                       | Yes         | Yes         | Yes       |
-| Heltec T114 (`heltec_t114`)               | Yes         | Yes         | Yes       |
-| GAT562 Mesh Watch13                       | Yes         | Yes         | Yes       |
-| Promicro nRF52840                         | No          | No          | No        |
-| RAK WisMesh Tag                           | No          | No          | No        |
-| Heltec Mesh Solar                         | No          | No          | No        |
-| LilyGo T-Echo / T-Echo Lite               | No          | No          | No        |
-| SenseCAP Solar                            | Yes         | Yes         | Yes       |
-| WIO Tracker L1 / L1 E-Ink                 | No          | No          | No        |
-| WIO WM1110                                | No          | No          | No        |
-| Mesh Pocket                               | No          | No          | No        |
-| Nano G2 Ultra                             | No          | No          | No        |
-| ThinkNode M1/M3/M6                        | No          | No          | No        |
-| T1000-E                                   | No          | No          | No        |
-| Ikoka Nano/Stick/Handheld (nRF)           | No          | No          | No        |
-| Keepteen LT1                              | No          | No          | No        |
-| Minewsemi ME25LS01                        | No          | No          | No        |
+| Board family                                      | Implemented | LPCOMP wake | VBUS wake |
+|---------------------------------------------------|-------------|-------------|-----------|
+| Seeed Studio XIAO nRF52840 (`xiao_nrf52`)         | Yes         | Yes         | Yes       |
+| SenseCAP Solar                                    | Yes         | Yes         | Yes       |
+| RAK4631 / RAK3401                                 | Yes         | Yes         | Yes       |
+| GAT562 30S / EVB Pro / Tracker Pro / Watch13      | Yes         | Yes         | Yes       |
+| Heltec T096 / T114 / T1 / Tower V2                | Yes         | Yes         | Yes       |
+| Muzi Works R1 Neo                                 | Partial     | Inactive    | Inactive  |
+| Promicro nRF52840                                 | No          | No          | No        |
+| RAK WisMesh Tag                                   | No          | No          | No        |
+| Heltec Mesh Solar                                 | No          | No          | No        |
+| LilyGo T-Echo / T-Echo Lite / T-Impulse Plus      | No          | No          | No        |
+| WIO Tracker L1 / L1 E-Ink / WM1110                | No          | No          | No        |
+| Mesh Pocket / Meshtiny / Nano G2 Ultra            | No          | No          | No        |
+| ThinkNode M1 / M3 / M6                            | No          | No          | No        |
+| T1000-E                                           | No          | No          | No        |
+| Ikoka Nano / Stick / Handheld (nRF)               | No          | No          | No        |
+| Keepteen LT1 / Minewsemi ME25LS01                 | No          | No          | No        |

 Notes:
 - "Implemented" reflects Phase 1 (boot lockout + shutdown reason capture).
- User power-off on Heltec T114 does not enable LPCOMP wake.
+- R1 Neo has the integration compiled, but its board configuration deliberately
+  sets `PWRMGT_VOLTAGE_BOOTLOCK` to `0`; automatic protective shutdown and its
+  voltage/VBUS recovery wake are therefore inactive.
+- User power-off does not enable LPCOMP wake; voltage recovery is armed only
+  for boot protection and automated low-voltage shutdown.
 - VBUS detection is used to skip boot lockout on external power, and VBUS wake is configured alongside LPCOMP when supported hardware exposes VBUS to the nRF52.

 ## Technical Details
@@ -138,7 +142,7 @@ The LPCOMP (Low Power Comparator) is configured to:
 - Monitor the specified AIN channel (0-7 corresponding to P0.02-P0.05, P0.28-P0.31)
 - Compare against VDD fraction reference (REFSEL: 0-6=1/8..7/8, 7=ARef, 8-15=1/16..15/16)
 - Detect UP events (voltage rising above threshold)
- Use 50mV hysteresis for noise immunity
+- Use no hysteresis so the configured recovery threshold is not widened by the battery divider
 - Wake the device from SYSTEMOFF when triggered

 VBUS wake is enabled via the POWER peripheral USBDETECTED event whenever `configureVoltageWake()` is used. This requires USB VBUS to be routed to the nRF52 (typical on nRF52840 boards with native USB).
@@ -165,7 +169,7 @@ VBUS wake is enabled via the POWER peripheral USBDETECTED event whenever `config
 | 15     | 15/16    | 5.62-6.19 V                        | 7.03-7.73 V                          |

 **Important**: For boards with a voltage divider on the battery sense pin, LPCOMP measures the divided voltage. Use:
-`VBAT_threshold ≈ (VDD * fraction) * divider_scale`, where `divider_scale = (Rtop + Rbottom) / Rbottom` (e.g., 2.0 for 1M/1M, 2.5 for 1.5M/1M, 3.0 for XIAO).
+`VBAT_threshold ~ (VDD * fraction) * divider_scale`, where `divider_scale = (Rtop + Rbottom) / Rbottom` (e.g., 2.0 for 1M/1M, 2.5 for 1.5M/1M, 3.0 for XIAO).

 ### SoftDevice Compatibility

@@ -212,6 +216,6 @@ DEBUG: PWRMGT: LPCOMP wake configured (AIN7, ref=3/8 VDD)

 ## References

- [nRF52840 Product Specification - POWER](https://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/topic/ps_nrf52840/power.html)
- [nRF52840 Product Specification - LPCOMP](https://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/topic/ps_nrf52840/lpcomp.html)
- [SoftDevice S140 API - Power Management](https://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/topic/sdk_nrf5_v17.1.0/group__nrf__sdm__api.html)
+- [nRF52840 Product Specification - POWER](https://docs.nordicsemi.com/bundle/ps_nrf52840/page/power.html)
+- [nRF52840 Product Specification - LPCOMP](https://docs.nordicsemi.com/bundle/ps_nrf52840/page/lpcomp.html)
+- [SoftDevice S140 API - Power Management](https://docs.nordicsemi.com/bundle/sdk_nrf5_v17.1.0/page/group__nrf__sdm__api.html)
@@ -15,8 +15,9 @@ Once you have a working app/project, you need to be able to demonstrate it exist
 | Data-Type range | App name                    | Contact                                                           |
 |-----------------|-----------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
 | 0000 - 00FF     | -reserved for internal use- |                                                                   |
-| 0100            | MeshCore Open               | zsylvester@monitormx.com — https://github.com/zjs81/meshcore-open |
-| 0110 - 011F     | Ripple                      | ripple_biz@protonmail.com — https://buymeacoffee.com/ripplebiz    |
+| 0100            | MeshCore Open               | zsylvester@monitormx.com - https://github.com/zjs81/meshcore-open |
+| 0110 - 011F     | Ripple                      | ripple_biz@protonmail.com - https://buymeacoffee.com/ripplebiz    |
+| 0120            | MCO Advanced                | most.original.address@gmail.com - https://github.com/HDDen/meshcore-open/tree/rename-mco-advanced |
 | FF00 - FFFF     | -reserved for testing/dev-  |                                                                   |

 (add rows, inside the range 0100 - FEFF for custom apps)
@@ -0,0 +1,373 @@
+# Easy firmware updates over LoRa
+
+This guide shows the shortest manual path for sending firmware from a computer to a MeshCore node over
+LoRa. Choose the package type for the **destination** node:
+
+For an end-to-end controller that accepts a release ZIP or ready mOTA, see
+[Scripted LoRa OTA from start to finish](lora_ota_automation.md).
+
+| Destination | Update type | Files needed to build the `.mota` | Installer |
+| --- | --- | --- | --- |
+| ESP32 | Full firmware | New non-merged application `.bin` | ESP32 A/B firmware slots |
+| nRF52 | In-place delta | Exact running `firmware.hex` and new `firmware.hex` | Exact-board OTAFIX bootloader |
+| MeshTower V2 SD target | Full firmware or in-place delta | New `firmware.hex`; a delta also needs the exact running `firmware.hex` | Matching SD-aware OTAFIX bootloader |
+
+A normal nRF52 target cannot install a full-image container. It deliberately accepts only an in-place
+delta built against its exact running firmware. The MeshTower V2 microSD target is the exception because
+it stages the complete container off-chip; see [MeshTower V2 microSD LoRa OTA](ota_meshtower_v2_sdcard.md).
+
+## Temporary OTA channel used in this guide
+
+| Setting | Value |
+| --- | --- |
+| Center frequency | 909.950 MHz |
+| Bandwidth | 250 kHz |
+| Spreading factor | SF5 |
+| Coding rate used in this guide | CR5 |
+| Example window | 120 minutes |
+
+The copy/paste command is:
+
+```text
+tempradio 909.950,250,5,5,120
+```
+
+The fourth value is the transmit coding rate. This guide uses CR5, but the participating nodes' coding rates
+do not need to match.
+
+`tempradio` is not saved and the node returns to its normal radio settings when the window ends or the node
+reboots. Current full-parser firmware also accepts `normalradio`, which cancels the temporary window and
+restores the saved tuple after replying on the current channel. This frequency is intended for North American
+configurations. Confirm that it is permitted in your location and change it when necessary.
+
+## Before you start
+
+Both paths require:
+
+- An OTA-enabled build whose artifact filename contains `-ota-` on the destination. The `-ota-` stamp confirms
+  that the node can discover, download, verify, and install LoRa OTA. Intermediate repeaters do **not** need an
+  OTA-enabled build: current repeater firmware relays OTA packets opaquely without storing or installing them.
+  Standard logging and untagged builds cannot install LoRa OTA; FULL MQTT and FULL logging OTA builds can.
+- An OTA-enabled MeshCore source connected to the computer by USB serial, or
+  an ESP32 WiFi companion/FULL source connected over WiFi as described below.
+- Overlapping `tempradio` windows on the source, destination, and every repeater needed between them.
+
+LoRa OTA packets are generated, consumed, and relayed only while `tempradio` is active. Intermediate repeaters
+apply their normal forwarding filters, duplicate checks, and flood limits; they do not interpret the OTA
+payload. If any required window closes, the transfer stops making progress and can resume during a later
+overlapping window.
+
+`build.sh` provides a `*_repeater_lora_ota_no_external_sensors` build for every standalone ESP32 and nRF52
+repeater target. The normal repeater build keeps its external-sensor support and can serve as an intermediate
+OTA relay, but it cannot download or install an update for itself. The `-ota-` sibling omits optional external
+I2C environmental sensors to preserve the update workspace, while retaining board-native features such as its
+display, buttons, battery monitoring, and integrated GPS. ESP32 `-ota-` siblings also retain the lightweight
+browser WiFi uploader (`start ota`), the complete CLI, and a 254-entry neighbor table. RP2040 and STM32 repeaters do not
+currently have a safe self-apply path, but current repeater firmware can still relay OTA packets opaquely
+during TempRadio.
+
+nRF52 `-ota-` siblings are compiled with size optimization instead of the Adafruit platform's default
+speed optimization. This prevents the retained software Ed25519 fallback from expanding beyond the fixed
+in-place workspace; CC310 hardware crypto, hardware RNG mixing, telemetry history, and board-native features
+remain enabled.
+
+ESP32 `*-full-ota-*` artifacts retain all compiled features and enable LoRa OTA for every FULL role,
+including room servers, sensors, observers, and bridges. A FULL image requires its expanded partition table:
+install the matching merged image over USB once before installing later non-merged FULL updates over LoRa.
+ESP32 MQTT observers and ESP-NOW bridges are always emitted as FULL artifacts; compact-CLI variants are no
+longer built.
+The `*-full-ota-*` profile uses MQTT with logging off. Use a `*-full-logging-ota-*` artifact when USB debug
+and packet logging are needed instead; that diagnostic profile explicitly disables MQTT and can produce
+substantial serial output.
+
+### Choose the source radio
+
+Use an OTA-enabled MeshCore node as the source. It receives the update folder
+from the computer, then advertises it over LoRa. ESP32 USB/WiFi companions and
+FULL ESP32 roles include the required transport. A
+`*_companion_radio_full` target keeps only the source half of LoRa OTA: it
+serves host images but cannot stage or install one for itself. ESP32 full
+combines USB, BLE, and WiFi; nRF52 full combines USB and BLE because nRF52840
+has no WiFi.
+A small set of high-capacity, non-PSRAM classic ESP32 companions
+keep their normal image and provide a separate `-full-ota-` image with 100 contacts, 8 group channels, and
+a 16-frame offline queue. Install that variant's merged image over USB once before using it. Connect the
+source by USB serial or, when supported, by WiFi. For an ordinary raw-text USB
+source, confirm that its USB CLI accepts:
+
+```text
+ota folder on
+```
+
+If an older build reports that `OTA_FOLDER_SERIAL` is not compiled in, install a current `-ota-` or
+`-full-ota-` build first. Do **not** use a KISS modem: KISS firmware is a TNC/KISS frame interface
+and does not provide the MeshCore CLI or the OTA-folder transport that `motatool serve` requires.
+
+An nRF52 `companion_radio_full` starts in USB Binary mode. Use
+`+++MESHCORE-TERM-START` for local TempRadio commands, then return with
+`+++MESHCORE-TERM-STOP`. When `motatool serve --serial` opens the port, its
+automatic `ota folder on` command selects exclusive mOTA mode; stopping the
+tool or disconnecting resets USB to Binary. BLE remains available throughout.
+
+For an ESP32 WiFi companion or FULL ESP32 source with active WiFi, use its dedicated OTA seeder:
+
+```bash
+motatool serve --dir ./motas --tcp <source-host>:5001 -v
+```
+
+Port `5001` is separate from the companion application port (`5000`) and the
+HTTP configuration/browser-OTA port (`80`, depending on the role). An ESP32
+`companion_radio_full` also has a local OTA/TempRadio console on port `5002`;
+see the [full Companion guide](./companion_radio_full.md). On a FULL repeater or room
+server, `start webconfig` can bring up the saved WiFi connection. Other FULL
+roles with browser OTA support can raise `MeshCore-OTA` with `start ota` and
+use `192.168.4.1:5001`. The TCP seeder auto-attaches; do not also run
+`ota folder on` for USB serial.
+
+## Install `motatool`
+
+Install Rust if necessary, then install the standalone packaging and serving tool:
+
+```bash
+git clone https://github.com/vk496/motatool
+cargo install --path ./motatool
+```
+
+## ESP32: package a full firmware image
+
+The destination must be an OTA-capable ESP32 with an A/B partition table. Download or build the new
+non-merged `.bin` application for the destination's exact board **and role**. Do not use an ESP32
+`-merged.bin` factory image.
+
+Put the application firmware in a working directory, then build a full `.mota` container. For example:
+
+```bash
+mkdir -p ./motas
+motatool build --fw ./Heltec_v3_repeater-ota-v1.16.05.bin --out-dir ./motas
+motatool verify ./motas/*.mota
+```
+
+Replace the example filename with the firmware for the destination's exact target. With no `--base`
+argument, `motatool build` creates a full-image update. The firmware must contain its MeshCore `EndF`
+identity trailer so `motatool` and the destination can verify the target, hardware, and version.
+
+Do not continue if `motatool verify` reports a failure.
+
+## nRF52: package an in-place delta
+
+### 1. Install and check the OTAFIX bootloader
+
+This is a one-time prerequisite. Install the OTAFIX bootloader built for the destination's **exact board**
+from the
+[OTAFIX 2.4 nRF52 bootloader release](https://github.com/mikecarper/Adafruit_nRF52_Bootloader_OTAFIX/releases/tag/0.9.2-OTAFIX2.4).
+Follow the release's board-specific installation and erase instructions. If it does not contain the
+destination's exact board, this LoRa install path is not yet available for that board; never substitute a
+similar board's bootloader.
+
+Before preparing or downloading a LoRa update, run this on the destination:
+
+```text
+get bootloader.ver
+ota self
+```
+
+The first command identifies the installed nRF52 bootloader. Continue only if
+the `ota self` reply includes:
+
+```text
+bootloader: apply OK
+```
+
+The reply also contains the running firmware's `base_hash`. Save it for the package check below. A stock,
+legacy, or older OTAFIX bootloader without `.mota` in-place-apply support will report that apply support is
+missing, and `ota install` will refuse to reboot into it.
+
+### 2. Keep the exact current and new application images
+
+You need the raw `.pio/build/<environment>/firmware.hex` from the build that is **actually running**, plus
+the corresponding `firmware.hex` from the new build. Save the current file before building the new version,
+because PlatformIO reuses that path. For example:
+
+```bash
+# Save this immediately after building/flashing the version now running on the node.
+cp .pio/build/Heltec_t114_repeater/firmware.hex ./Heltec_t114_repeater-running.hex
+
+# After checking out and building the new version, save its image separately.
+cp .pio/build/Heltec_t114_repeater/firmware.hex ./Heltec_t114_repeater-new.hex
+```
+
+Replace `Heltec_t114_repeater` with the destination's exact PlatformIO environment. The two images must be
+for the same board and role, and both must contain their `EndF` trailers. Do not pass a release `.uf2` or
+BLE-DFU `.zip` to `motatool`; those are installation containers rather than raw application images.
+
+Keeping a file with the same version label is not enough: the base must be byte-for-byte identical to the
+running application. The hash check in the next step proves that it is the right file.
+
+On RAK4631 repeaters, use the
+`RAK_4631_repeater_lora_ota_no_external_sensors` environment. It retains built-in battery monitoring but
+omits optional external environmental sensor packages so the delta fits the safe in-place workspace.
+
+### 3. Build and check the in-place delta
+
+```bash
+mkdir -p ./motas
+motatool build \
+  --base ./Heltec_t114_repeater-running.hex \
+  --fw ./Heltec_t114_repeater-new.hex \
+  --patch-type in-place \
+  --out-dir ./motas
+motatool verify ./motas/*.mota
+```
+
+`motatool` prints the generated filename. Inspect that file:
+
+```bash
+motatool inspect ./motas/GENERATED_FILENAME.mota
+```
+
+Check all three of these before serving it:
+
+- `codec_id` is `2 (detools-in-place)`.
+- `base_hash` is the same 8-byte value reported by the destination's `ota self` command.
+- The numeric `target_id` exactly matches `target:` in the destination's `ota status`, and the hardware and
+  firmware version identify the intended board and role. If `inspect` shows `N/A` for the human-readable
+  target name, the tool's name table is older than that environment; the numeric IDs still must match.
+
+The default `--inplace-memory 0x98000` and 4096-byte segment size match the supported MeshCore OTAFIX
+builds; do not override them for this normal nRF52 flow. Do not continue if verification or any identity
+check fails.
+
+## Transfer and install either package
+
+### 1. Start the temporary OTA channel
+
+First save the current `ota config` output. For a direct source-to-destination link, set both OTA-enabled
+endpoints to direct-only mode before starting the transfer:
+
+```text
+ota config hops 0
+```
+
+Do not use `hops 1` as extra margin on a direct link. It tells a receiving repeater to retransmit each direct
+DATA/PROOF packet; that unnecessary half-duplex transmission can make it miss the source's next fragment,
+especially with older single-block receivers. Use `hops 1` only when one real intermediate relay is required,
+`hops 2` for two, and so on. This setting is saved, so restore the original value after the maintenance window.
+
+On the source node, destination node, and every intermediate repeater, then run:
+
+```text
+tempradio 909.950,250,5,5,120
+```
+
+All participating nodes must use the same frequency, bandwidth, and spreading factor. Their time windows must
+overlap. Start with the farthest hop (the destination) and work back toward the source when using `tempradio`.
+
+If you administer the destination over LoRa, the controller used to send later `ota` commands must also be
+able to communicate on this temporary channel. For unattended nodes, use synchronized `tempradioat` entries
+instead of manually starting the windows. Ensure the nodes' clocks are set before using `tempradioat`.
+
+### 2. Serve the update from the computer
+
+Close any serial terminal using the source node's USB port, find its device name, and start the server:
+
+```bash
+motatool serve --dir ./motas --serial /dev/ttyACM0 -v
+```
+
+Replace `/dev/ttyACM0` with the USB serial device of the source companion selected above.
+`motatool` attaches the folder to the source, which advertises the update over LoRa while its temporary-radio
+window is active. KISS modem serial ports cannot be used here.
+
+Leave this command running until the destination finishes downloading.
+
+### 3. Find and download the update
+
+On the destination node, check its state and ask for nearby updates:
+
+```text
+ota status
+ota ls
+```
+
+Discovery is asynchronous. `ota ls` says `refreshing`; wait a few seconds and run it again even if it first
+shows an older row. Select `[same target]`: it should say `full` for the ESP32 path or `delta` for the nRF52
+path. Do not select `[unsupported]` (for example, a source's self-served full image on a single-slot nRF52).
+Use the row's stable eight-hex manifest ID rather than its changing list position:
+
+```text
+ota pull 838B8169 flash
+```
+
+If an internal-flash nRF52 reports `no EndF`, only a row marked `[rescue]` is eligible. Current rescue-capable
+firmware requires `ota pull <mid8> flash rescue`, followed after completion by
+`ota rescue install <base_hash16>`. Older running firmware without those commands must be recovered over USB.
+
+Monitor the transfer:
+
+```text
+ota status
+```
+
+For a powered bench update where restart-resume is not needed, `ota config checkpoint 0` on the destination
+removes periodic progress writes. It is a smaller optimization than selecting the correct hop count and it
+trades away persisted mid-download resume; restore the previous checkpoint cadence afterward.
+
+Current repeater firmware automatically uses the full transmit budget during a bounded TempRadio window.
+Older receivers do not: if `get af` reports a nonzero value on such a node, record it, use `set af 0` for the
+maintenance window, and restore it afterward. This affects how promptly the legacy receiver can send its next
+block/proof request; it does not increase LoRa transmit power. Use a full duty budget only where the selected
+frequency and local rules permit it.
+
+The update is ready when the status says `ready to install`. Discovery is background traffic, while an
+active OTA download is primary mesh traffic. At the temporary-radio settings in this guide, allow roughly
+**one hour** for a typical ESP32 full image over a quiet, direct link. That is a planning estimate, not an
+upper bound: repeaters, retries, weak
+links, and normal mesh traffic can extend it well past an hour. The 120-minute example window is
+intentional. If necessary, start another overlapping `tempradio` window; the download resumes rather than
+starting over.
+
+### 4. Verify and install
+
+Once the destination reports `ready to install`, run:
+
+```text
+ota install
+```
+
+The destination verifies the complete package again before approving it. ESP32 installs the full image into
+its inactive A/B slot. nRF52 checks the base hash and bootloader capability, then reboots into OTAFIX; the
+bootloader independently rechecks the package, applies the delta in place, and verifies the resulting image.
+Pre-install failures leave the running firmware unchanged and report the reason. If power is lost after an
+nRF52 in-place apply has begun, OTAFIX will not boot a partial image; it enters recovery DFU so a known-good
+application can be restored.
+
+After the node returns, reconnect on its normal radio channel and confirm:
+
+```text
+ota status
+```
+
+## Quick troubleshooting
+
+- **Nothing appears in `ota ls`:** confirm that `motatool serve` is still running and every required node
+  has an active `tempradio 909.950,250,5,5,120` window.
+- **The CLI says LoRa OTA is not included:** that firmware does not contain the LoRa OTA feature.
+  If it is the source or destination, install a supported `-ota-` build over WiFi or USB first. An intermediate
+  repeater does not need the OTA CLI and can relay opaquely while its matching `tempradio` window is active.
+- **The update shows another environment or a raw `[hw XXXXXXXX]`:** it is for a different board or firmware
+  role. Do not install it.
+- **An internal-flash nRF52 marks a full update `[unsupported]`:** it can install only an in-place delta.
+  The MeshTower V2 microSD target accepts full images with its matching SD-aware bootloader.
+- **nRF52 reports no bootloader apply support:** install the exact-board in-place-delta OTAFIX bootloader
+  before trying LoRa OTA.
+- **nRF52 reports a base mismatch:** the file passed to `--base` is not the exact application running on
+  the destination. Rebuild the delta from the correct saved `firmware.hex`.
+- **The download stalls:** check the source, destination, and intermediate repeaters. Restart matching,
+  overlapping temporary-radio windows if one expired. On a direct link, also require `ota config hops 0`;
+  a larger reach makes a repeater destination unnecessarily echo source packets.
+- **The serial port is busy:** close the serial terminal before starting `motatool serve`.
+- **The destination rejects the package:** verify the source files, their `EndF` trailers, the package's
+  target/hardware identity, and the result of `motatool verify`.
+
+For additional commands and safety details, see [the full OTA user guide](ota_user_guide.md). For protocol
+and container internals, see [the OTA protocol specification](ota_protocol.md).
@@ -0,0 +1,305 @@
+# MeshTower V2 microSD LoRa OTA
+
+The `Heltec_tower_v2_sdcard_repeater_lora_ota_no_external_sensors` target uses the MeshTower V2 onboard
+microSD socket as persistent storage for its own LoRa OTA downloads. It accepts
+both full `.mota` images and in-place delta `.mota` images. After verification,
+the matching SD-aware OTAFIX bootloader reads the staged file from the card and
+programs the nRF52840 application region.
+
+The pin assignment follows the
+[Heltec MeshTower V2 partial reference circuit](https://resource.heltec.cn/download/MeshTower-V2/schematic/MeshTower_V2_Partial_Reference_Circuit.pdf):
+
+| Signal | nRF52840 pin | Arduino pin number |
+|---|---:|---:|
+| SD CS | P1.00 | 32 |
+| SD MOSI | P1.01 | 33 |
+| SD SCK | P0.06 | 6 |
+| SD MISO | P0.26 | 26 |
+
+The SD socket uses its own SPI peripheral, so card traffic does not change the
+LoRa radio pinout.
+
+## Card requirements
+
+Use a FAT16, FAT32, or exFAT card with an MBR partition table whose first
+partition starts after sector 1. This is the normal layout produced by most SD
+formatters. GPT and unpartitioned "super-floppy" layouts are rejected.
+
+MeshCore creates `/meshcore-ota.mota` as a contiguous file. Sector 1, which is
+outside the partition, holds a checksummed bootloader handoff record. The
+firmware validates this gap before writing it; an incompatible card layout
+fails safely without modifying sector 1.
+
+## Capacity and update types
+
+The card removes the internal-flash staging limit. The `.mota` container may be
+much larger than the old internal staging gap, and either a full image or an
+in-place delta may be downloaded. The installed firmware itself must still fit
+the nRF52840 application region below InternalFS (ending at `0xED000`); SD
+storage does not increase the MCU's executable flash.
+
+For this S140 v6 target, the maximum application image including its `EndF`
+trailer is `0xC7000` bytes (815,104 bytes). To package a full self-update:
+
+```bash
+motatool build --fw ./Heltec_tower_v2_sdcard-new.hex --out-dir ./motas
+motatool verify ./motas/*.mota
+```
+
+A delta uses the exact installed image as its base. The normal `0x98000`
+workspace remains compatible. If either image is larger than that legacy
+limit, build the patch with the SD target's larger workspace:
+
+```bash
+motatool build \
+  --base ./Heltec_tower_v2_sdcard-running.hex \
+  --fw ./Heltec_tower_v2_sdcard-new.hex \
+  --patch-type in-place \
+  --inplace-memory 0xC7000 \
+  --out-dir ./motas
+motatool verify ./motas/*.mota
+```
+
+The download is resumable because the partial `.mota` stays on the card.
+Once it reaches `ready`, `ota install` performs the final verification,
+publishes the bootloader handoff, and reboots. Keep the card inserted through
+the reboot and installation.
+
+The SD-aware bootloader is mandatory. `ota install` refuses to reboot if the
+bootloader capability marker does not advertise SD staging and the selected
+codec. Existing `Heltec_tower_v2_repeater` firmware continues to use the
+internal-flash delta path and is unchanged.
+
+## SD card CLI
+
+The SD-backed target provides these CLI commands:
+
+```text
+set sdcard format [--force]
+set sdcard erase [--force]
+get sdcard
+get sdcard *
+get sdcard format
+get sdcard erase
+get sdcard free
+get sdcard ls
+get sdcard ls 2
+get sdcard dir 3
+```
+
+`format` creates a new FAT16, FAT32, or exFAT filesystem according to card
+size. `erase` first uses the card's raw media erase command and then formats it,
+so a successful erase finishes with a usable filesystem. Both operations
+destroy all data on the card and cancel any staged OTA download.
+
+The firmware records successful format and erase completion times in RAM.
+Repeating the same operation within five minutes is rejected unless `--force`
+is present. Format and erase have independent cooldowns. Because erase also
+formats the card, a successful erase updates both timestamps. The timestamps
+reset when the device reboots. The `get sdcard` age queries report how long ago
+each operation completed. `get sdcard free` reports used and free filesystem
+space in human-readable binary units.
+
+`get sdcard ls` and `get sdcard dir` recursively list files on the card, four
+files per page. A bare command shows page 1; append a positive page number to
+move through the remaining results. Each row includes the path and a compact
+file size. The header reports the selected page, total pages, and total files.
+
+## Persistent OTA archive and seeder
+
+On the SD-backed target, automatic OTA archiving is on by default. While the
+temporary OTA radio is active, the node requests full catalogs from seeders and
+saves every complete mOTA it discovers, including firmware for other hardware
+targets and codecs that this node cannot install. Archive downloads use the
+same per-block Merkle proof checks as an install download, but archived images
+are never selected for local installation.
+
+Completed containers are stored as `/mota/<manifest-id>.mota`. An interrupted
+download remains `/mota/<manifest-id>.part` and resumes when that mOTA is seen
+again. Completed files survive reboot, are enumerated on the first archive
+access or TempRadio window, and are advertised and served directly from SD.
+The SD target supports the protocol maximum served set: its own running
+firmware plus up to 254 archived mOTAs.
+
+Automatic capture preserves an 8 MiB free-space reserve for manual
+`/meshcore-ota.mota` installation staging. It stops starting new archive files
+when the next file would cross that reserve. Archive allocation first tries the
+fast contiguous path and then falls back to an ordinary fragmented FAT file;
+only the bootloader staging file requires contiguous sectors.
+
+### Preload many mOTAs from a computer
+
+You can populate the archive much faster on a computer than over LoRa. Use only
+complete, verified `.mota` containers. Do not copy firmware `.bin`, `.hex`,
+`.zip`, or `.part` files into the archive.
+
+Install the standalone [`motatool`](https://github.com/vk496/motatool) first if
+it is not already available:
+
+```bash
+git clone https://github.com/vk496/motatool.git
+cargo install --path ./motatool
+```
+
+The on-card filename is part of the archive index and has a strict format:
+
+```text
+/mota/<merkle_root>.mota
+```
+
+`<merkle_root>` is the eight-hex-digit value printed by `motatool inspect`. It
+is also the mOTA's four-byte manifest ID. The extension must be lowercase, the
+file must be directly inside `/mota`, and descriptive release filenames are
+not indexed. For example, if inspection reports:
+
+```text
+merkle_root    : ABCD1234
+```
+
+copy that container to:
+
+```text
+/mota/abcd1234.mota
+```
+
+If two containers have the same Merkle root, they have the same protocol ID
+and cannot both be present. Keep only the intended one. The current SD seeder
+can index up to 254 archived files. A served file must use a logical block size
+of at most 1024 bytes and contain at most 2048 blocks; check `block_size` and
+`block_count` in `motatool inspect` when importing unusually large images.
+Files outside that serve geometry are not counted or advertised. If a malformed
+`/mota/<id>.mota` conflicts with a newly discovered valid image, the repeater
+preserves the malformed file as `<id>.bad` through `<id>.bad9` and downloads a
+clean replacement instead of treating path existence as a valid cache hit.
+
+To prepare and load the card:
+
+1. Format it as described under [Card requirements](#card-requirements). The
+   easiest way to guarantee the expected layout is to insert it in the
+   repeater, run `set sdcard format`, power the repeater off, and then move the
+   card to the computer. Formatting destroys the existing card contents.
+2. Mount the card on the computer and create a directory named `mota` at the
+   filesystem root. Do not use a nested directory such as `/firmware/mota`.
+3. Run `motatool verify FILE.mota` for every source file. Do not copy a file
+   that reports `FAIL`.
+4. Run `motatool inspect FILE.mota`, read its `merkle_root`, and copy the file
+   to `/mota/<lowercase-merkle-root>.mota` on the card.
+5. Flush pending writes, safely eject the card, power the repeater off, insert
+   the card, and boot
+   `Heltec_tower_v2_sdcard_repeater_lora_ota_no_external_sensors`.
+
+On Linux or macOS, this Bash example verifies and imports every `.mota` from
+`./motas`. Replace the example mount path before running it:
+
+```bash
+card_mount=/media/YOU/MESHCORE
+mkdir -p "$card_mount/mota"
+
+shopt -s nullglob
+for image in ./motas/*.mota; do
+  motatool verify "$image" || exit 1
+  mid=$(motatool inspect "$image" |
+    awk '$1 == "merkle_root" { print tolower($3) }')
+  if [[ ! $mid =~ ^[0-9a-f]{8}$ ]]; then
+    echo "Could not read the Merkle root from: $image" >&2
+    exit 1
+  fi
+
+  destination="$card_mount/mota/$mid.mota"
+  if [[ -e $destination ]]; then
+    cmp -s "$image" "$destination" || {
+      echo "Different containers have the same ID: $mid" >&2
+      exit 1
+    }
+  else
+    cp "$image" "$destination"
+  fi
+done
+sync
+```
+
+On Windows, create `E:\mota`, inspect each source with `motatool inspect`, and
+rename it to the reported lowercase root in the same way. Safely eject the
+drive after all copies finish.
+
+After boot, scan the archive and confirm the card contents from the repeater
+console:
+
+```text
+get sdcard ls
+get sdcard ls 2
+ota cache
+ota folder
+```
+
+`ota cache` should report the imported count. `ota folder` reports the current
+served count; once OTA serving starts in TempRadio, that set also includes the
+repeater's running firmware. If the files appear in `get sdcard ls` but not in
+the served count, check their exact names, run `motatool verify` again, and
+inspect their block geometry. It is fine to run `ota cache off` for a curated,
+read-mostly archive: that disables capture of new mOTAs but continues serving
+every valid file already on the card.
+
+### Serve the preloaded archive over TempRadio
+
+LoRa OTA traffic exists only during an active temporary-radio window. The SD
+repeater, each receiving node, and every intermediate repeater in the path need
+overlapping windows on the same temporary channel. Use a frequency permitted
+for the node's configured region. This North American example uses the
+recommended fast OTA settings and a 120-minute window:
+
+```text
+tempradio 909.950,250,5,5,120
+```
+
+Start the farthest receiving node first, then intermediate repeaters, and the
+SD source last so their windows overlap for as long as possible. Before or
+during the source window, `ota cache` makes the source scan and attach the SD
+archive. Entry into TempRadio automatically triggers an OTA advertisement
+burst; `ota announce` can send another advertisement immediately.
+
+On a receiving OTA-capable node, allow a few seconds for catalog exchange,
+then run:
+
+```text
+ota ls
+ota ls 2
+ota get <mid8> flash
+ota status
+```
+
+Use `ota ls 2`, `ota ls 3`, and so on when the source advertises more than the
+two rows that fit in one remote CLI reply. Each row includes a stable
+eight-hex-digit manifest ID. Use that ID instead of a list number, because
+asynchronous catalog refreshes can reorder rows between the list and pull
+commands. A receiver retains the complete protocol catalog and verifies every
+transferred block. It still applies its normal target, hardware, codec,
+signature, and installation checks. The SD
+repeater may advertise images for many hardware families; it never installs
+those archive files merely because it serves them.
+
+When a temporary window expires or a node reboots, it returns to its saved
+radio settings and OTA transfer stops. The archive remains on the card. Start
+another set of overlapping `tempradio` windows to resume an interrupted
+download, or use synchronized `tempradioat` entries for a scheduled window.
+
+Archive capture is lower priority than operator work. An explicit `ota pull`
+to install storage or a host folder immediately takes the single receive slot;
+the archive partial is checkpointed and resumes later. Existing cached files
+can still answer peer requests while another archive file is downloading.
+
+Use these commands to inspect or control automatic capture:
+
+```text
+ota cache
+ota cache on
+ota cache off
+ota config cache on
+ota config cache off
+```
+
+The on/off choice is saved on the SD card. Turning capture off stops new
+downloads but keeps serving files already cached. Formatting or erasing the
+card removes both the archive and its off marker, so a newly formatted card
+returns to the default-on setting. `ota config sdseed on|off` is also accepted
+as an alias.
@@ -0,0 +1,814 @@
+# MeshCore OTA - `.mota` container & LoRa protocol
+
+This is the **single source of truth** for MeshCore's over-the-air firmware update system ("mOTA"). It is
+written for developers who want to implement an interoperable peer (server, fetcher, relay, or host tool)
+in another codebase or project. Everything below is implemented in this repository and covered by host,
+simulation, build, or hardware tests as noted in the relevant section. Hardware qualification is target- and
+chain-specific; do not infer it from implementation alone. Where a section names a source file, that file is
+the authoritative reference for byte-level details.
+
+> **Just want to update your node?** See the plain-language [OTA user guide](ota_user_guide.md) - this
+> document is the technical/wire specification.
+
+**Design goals**
+
+- Distribute firmware over LoRa as a **self-verifying, resumable, single-source block transfer** that
+  survives reboots and never auto-applies without explicit consent.
+- **Trustless mesh relay:** repeaters may forward packets while the source alone serves firmware data;
+  integrity is content-addressed
+  against a signed merkle root, so a relay need not be trusted and never needs the signing keys.
+- **Primary while transferring:** periodic discovery stays at background priority, but manifest, block,
+  data, and proof packets for an active fetch use primary queue priority at every relay hop.
+- **Portable:** the engine (`src/helpers/ota/OtaManager`) is Arduino/radio/crypto-free and host-testable,
+  so the same logic drives a device, a simulation, or a third-party implementation.
+
+**Source map** (all under `src/helpers/ota/` unless noted)
+
+| Concern | File |
+|---|---|
+| Constants, enums, flags | `OtaFormat.h` |
+| Container/manifest parse | `MotaContainer.{h,cpp}` |
+| Merkle tree + proofs | `MerkleTree.{h,cpp}` |
+| EndF self-identity | `FirmwareInfo.{h,cpp}` |
+| Wire message codec | `OtaProtocol.{h,cpp}` |
+| Session engine (serve+fetch+discovery) | `OtaManager.{h,cpp}` |
+| Multi-mota / folder relay | `OtaSource.h`, `MotaSourceSerial.{h,cpp}`, `MotaSeederProto.h` |
+| Staging stores | `OtaStore.h`, `OtaStoreFlashNrf52.*`, `OtaStoreFlashEsp32.*` |
+| Apply | `OtaApply.*`, bootloader `Adafruit_nRF52_Bootloader_OTAFIX` |
+| Device glue (CLI/context) | `OtaCli.cpp`, `OtaContext.h` |
+| Host tooling | [`motatool`](https://github.com/vk496/motatool) (standalone Rust CLI: build/verify/inspect/serve); `tools/mota/` (Python reference lib `motalib.py` + build/test glue) |
+
+---
+
+## 1. Conventions
+
+- **Endianness:** all multi-byte integers are little-endian unless stated.
+- **Hashes (multihash):** the hash family is declared once per manifest via `hash_algo` =
+  `0x12` = **SHA-256** (the [multihash](https://github.com/multiformats/multihash) code for sha2-256).
+  Truncations used:
+  - `sha2-256:4` - first 4 bytes of the SHA-256 digest. Merkle leaves, internal nodes, root, proofs,
+    `manifest_id`, and the discovery `set_digest`.
+  - `sha2-256:8` - first 8 bytes. Base-firmware identity (`base_hash`, `EndF.body_hash`).
+  - `sha2-256:32` - full digest. The image security anchor (`image_hash`).
+  Digests are stored **bare** (just the truncated bytes); the family is implied by `hash_algo`.
+- **Signatures:** Ed25519 (RFC 8032), 64-byte detached signature, 32-byte public key.
+
+**Reference constants** (`OtaFormat.h`):
+
+| Name | Value | ASCII / note |
+|---|---|---|
+| Container `MAGIC` | `6D 4F 54 41` | `mOTA` |
+| Container `TRAILER` | `76 6B 34 39 36` | `vk496` |
+| `EndF` marker | `45 6E 64 46` | `EndF` |
+| `hash_algo` (sha2-256) | `0x12` | multihash code |
+| `format_ver` | `0x02` | this spec |
+| `approval` = not approved | `FF FF FF FF` | erased NOR word |
+| `approval` = approved | `41 50 52 56` | `APRV` |
+| `MFLAG_FULL` | `0x01` | flags bit0 |
+| `MFLAG_SIGNED` | `0x02` | flags bit1 |
+| `CODEC_FULL` / `_SEQUENTIAL` / `_INPLACE` | `0` / `1` / `2` | Section 5 |
+| `PAYLOAD_TYPE_OTA` | `0x0C` | MeshCore packet type (`src/Packet.h`) |
+| `MAX_PACKET_PAYLOAD` | `184` | usable bytes per packet (`src/MeshCore.h`) |
+| Default block size | `1024` | `block_size_log2 = 0x0A` |
+| OTA discovery TX priority | `250` | background (`OTA_TX_PRIORITY`, `src/Mesh.h`) |
+| OTA active-transfer TX priority | `0` | primary (`OTA_TRANSFER_TX_PRIORITY`, `src/Mesh.h`) |
+
+---
+
+## 2. Firmware image & the `EndF` trailer
+
+Every OTA-capable build appends a fixed **56-byte** `EndF` trailer to its flashed image so a running node
+can discover its own size **and self-describing identity** on any MCU (no linker symbols needed). Every
+field is always present at a constant offset. Implemented by `FirmwareInfo.cpp`; appended at build time by
+`tools/mota/pio_endf.py` (post-build hook).
+
+```
+flashed image = BODY (image bytes) || EndF trailer
+EndF trailer (fixed 56 bytes):
+  off 0   4   "EndF"        45 6E 64 46
+  off 4   4   body_len      uint32 LE - length of BODY (excludes the whole trailer)
+  off 8   8   body_hash     sha2-256:8 of BODY
+  off 16  4   fw_version    uint32 LE, packed MAJOR<<24|MINOR<<16|PATCH<<8|pre  (0 = unknown)
+  off 20  4   target_id     uint32 LE - sha2-256:4(pio_env): hardware + role + partition (fetch routing)
+  off 24  32  hw_id         NUL-padded ASCII hardware tag (brick-safety), e.g. "RAK4631" ("" = unknown)
+```
+
+- **Self-describing identity.** `pio_endf.py` uses `build.sh`'s `MOTA_TARGET_ID` when present (required for
+  virtual LoRa-OTA build names), otherwise it computes `target_id` from the PlatformIO env name. It reads
+  `hw_id` from `MOTA_HW_ID` and `fw_version`
+  from `FIRMWARE_VERSION`. The device reads them back (`ota_self_firmware()`), so a node's advertised
+  identity is correct regardless of how it was built - and the packaging tool reads them straight from a raw
+  `.bin` (no `--target-env`/`--fw-version` flags, no reliance on filenames; Section 9, Section 13). A dev build with no
+  dotted version simply carries `fw_version = 0` / empty `hw_id` (= unknown) - still a full 56-byte trailer.
+- **Size discovery:** scan flash from the partition top downward for the `EndF` marker; the byte before it
+  is the last BODY byte (the trailer is always 56 bytes). See `ota_self_firmware()`.
+- **Delta base matching:** a node's `body_hash` is read directly from its own `EndF`; a delta's `base_hash`
+  (Section 5) must equal it. `body_hash` is over BODY only.
+- **No circularity:** `EndF` hashes only the BODY, never itself.
+
+The "reconstructed image" referenced by the manifest is the full `BODY || EndF` (what gets flashed).
+
+### ESP32 application-slot profiles
+
+ESP32 companion firmware is exempt from the portable-slot limit. USB and WiFi companion artifacts retain
+LoRa OTA and carry `-ota-` in their filenames so they can seed a host folder over serial or TCP; they keep
+their target partition table rather than using the FULL profile. A small set of high-capacity, non-PSRAM classic ESP32
+companions cannot combine their configured contact, group-channel, and offline-queue capacities with LoRa
+OTA in internal DRAM. Their normal artifacts remain unchanged, and option 3 also emits `-full-ota-` and
+`-full-logging-ota-` variants with 100 contacts, 8 group channels, and a 16-frame offline queue. MQTT
+observers and ESP-NOW bridges always use FULL builds because fitting them into the legacy slot would require
+removing CLI and role features. Except for those FULL roles and the ESP32-C6 case below, non-companion ESP32
+artifacts, including room, sensor, and repeater roles, must fit the legacy slot from `0x10000` up to
+`0x150000` (`0x140000`, 1,310,720 bytes), including the 56-byte `EndF` trailer. The build checks both that
+limit and the target's actual app partition. The ESP32-C6 `no_external_sensors` OTA siblings are the narrow
+exception: the Arduino 3.x WiFi runtime cannot fit that cross-family ceiling, so those images retain their
+established target-specific 1920 KiB or larger A/B app layout and are checked against the actual app
+partition. For every standalone ESP32 and nRF52 repeater, `build.sh` also exposes an explicit
+`*_lora_ota_no_external_sensors` artifact: the ordinary repeater remains sensor-enabled, while that sibling
+disables optional external environmental-sensor drivers for LoRa distribution. Integrated GPS and other
+board-native telemetry remain enabled. ESP32 siblings retain the compact browser WiFi updater and use the
+full 254-entry neighbor table. RP2040 and STM32 targets are not offered because those platforms do not yet
+have a safe bootloader/apply path.
+
+nRF52 LoRa-OTA siblings use size optimization rather than the Adafruit platform's default `-Ofast`. This
+keeps the runtime software Ed25519 fallback from being expanded into tens of kilobytes of repeated curve
+arithmetic while retaining CC310 hardware crypto, hardware RNG mixing, telemetry history, and board-native
+features.
+
+WiFi-heavy non-companion roles are not reduced to fit the legacy application slot. `build.sh` automatically
+promotes every ESP32 MQTT observer and ESP-NOW bridge to the expanded FULL partition profile. These artifacts
+retain the complete role CLI, WebConfig where supported, display and optional sensor support, full timezone
+and TLS behavior, and the board's normal power-management implementation. The compact CLI is not compiled
+into any build. Ordinary repeater builds remain sensor-enabled; only explicitly named
+`*_lora_ota_no_external_sensors` siblings omit sensors for LoRa distribution, and those siblings retain the
+complete CLI.
+
+MQTT observer radio and bridge preferences use verified temporary files plus a recoverable backup. A reset
+during a settings save restores the last committed common preference image or publishes the completed new
+image; it does not leave a partially written `/com_prefs` file to fail on the next boot. A truncated legacy
+image is rejected before any partial radio or string fields are applied, then rewritten from safe defaults.
+
+Option 3 in `build.sh` emits `*-full-ota-*` and `*-full-logging-ota-*` ESP32 artifacts for
+FULL-capable non-companion roles and for the constrained companion fallbacks described above. MQTT observers
+and ESP-NOW bridges are emitted only with expanded FULL partitions. Menu option 8, or
+`build-full-esp32-firmwares`, builds the logging-off FULL
+artifacts from matching MQTT targets. Menu option 9, or `build-full-esp32-logging-firmwares`, builds the
+FULL logging artifacts from matching non-MQTT targets.
+FULL builds restore WebConfig, display support, optional external sensors, and the full role CLI and feature
+set,
+full ElegantOTA where that target declares the required library, and LoRa OTA for every included role,
+including room servers, sensors, observers, and bridges. They use expanded A/B partition
+tables: 1984 KiB application slots on 4 MiB boards and the framework's larger dual-OTA tables on 8 MiB
+and 16 MiB boards. Explicit `*_lora_ota_no_external_sensors` targets are not duplicated; their ordinary
+repeater build is the FULL, sensor-enabled counterpart. The `*-full-logging-ota-*` profile enables USB
+debug and packet logging and explicitly disables MQTT. Install a matching
+`*-full-ota-*-merged.bin` or `*-full-logging-ota-*-merged.bin` over USB once to write the expanded partition
+table. After that, its matching non-merged FULL application image can be installed through USB, WiFi OTA,
+or LoRa OTA. Do not install a non-merged FULL image onto a node that still has its old partition table.
+
+> **Implementer note:** the bootloader (and any non-Arduino consumer) MUST locate the body extent by
+> scanning for `EndF`, never by trusting a stored size - see the bootloader contract in Section 12.
+
+---
+
+## 3. The `.mota` container
+
+The distributed form (host-built, wire-transferred). Parsed by `mota_parse()` in `MotaContainer.cpp`.
+
+```
+off            size   field
+0              4      MAGIC = 6D 4F 54 41
+4              4      MOTA_TOTAL_SIZE  uint32 LE - total container bytes (incl. manifest, leaves[],
+                                       payload, trailer). Lets a node pre-reserve staging and compute
+                                       write_start = staging_region_end - MOTA_TOTAL_SIZE.
+8              M      MANIFEST         (Section 4; M = 197 fixed + leaves[], 4*BC; no length field - BC from payload_size)
+8 + M          P      PAYLOAD          (payload_size bytes; delta or full image)
+8 + M + P      5      TRAILER = 76 6B 34 39 36
+```
+
+`MOTA_TOTAL_SIZE = 4 + 4 + M + P + 5`. The manifest `M` **includes** `leaves[]`; the manifest-minus-leaves
+prefix (`mfl`, sent over the wire as `OTA_MANIFEST`) is `[8, leaves_off)`.
+
+**Staged (in-flash) form.** Written bottom-aligned so `TRAILER` ends at `staging_region_end`. Identical
+bytes, except the device mutates two regions in place (both NOR-safe, no re-erase): the `leaves[]` slots
+(filled as blocks arrive - Section 7) and the 4-byte `approval` field (on owner consent - Section 4.2). Everything else
+is immutable.
+
+---
+
+## 4. The manifest
+
+**Fixed layout.** Every field sits at a constant offset and is always present - `base_hash`,
+`signer_pubkey` and `signature` are zero-filled when not applicable (a full image / an unsigned container).
+Only `leaves[]` is variable (one 4-byte hash per block). So the manifest-minus-leaves (`mfl`) is **always
+197 bytes** and the parser is plain offset reads - no conditionals. Parsed by `mota_parse_manifest()`.
+
+```
+off  size   field            notes
+0    1      format_ver       = 0x02
+1    1      flags            bit0 FULL (0=delta/partial, 1=full image); bit1 SIGNED; bits2-7 reserved 0
+2    1      hash_algo        0x12 = sha2-256
+3    4      target_id        device/arch/role discriminator (Section 9)
+7    4      fw_version       MAJOR<<24 | MINOR<<16 | PATCH<<8 | pre   (comparable uint32)
+11   4      image_size       size of the reconstructed image (BODY||EndF)
+15   4      payload_size     PAYLOAD bytes in this container
+19   1      block_size_log2  e.g. 0x0A = 1024
+20   4      merkle_root      sha2-256:4 over PAYLOAD blocks (Section 6) - also the manifest_id
+24   32     image_hash       sha2-256:32 of the reconstructed image - SECURITY anchor
+56   1      codec_id         0=full/raw, 1=detools-sequential, 2=detools-in-place
+57   32     hw_id            NUL-padded ASCII hardware tag (e.g. "RAK4631"); same tag => bootable-compatible.
+                             SIGNED. Applier refuses a mismatch (brick-safety); empty on either side = skip.
+89   8      base_hash        sha2-256:8 of the BASE image's BODY (== that build's EndF.body_hash). 0 if FULL.
+97   32     signer_pubkey    Ed25519 public key. 0 if not SIGNED.
+129  64     signature        Ed25519 over manifest[0, 129). 0 if not SIGNED.
+193  4      approval         FF FF FF FF = not approved; 41 50 52 56 ("APRV") = approved
+--- end of manifest-minus-leaves: mfl = 197 (constant); leaves_off = 8 + 197 = 205 in the container ---
+197  4*BC   leaves[]         BC = ceil(payload_size / 2^block_size_log2). sha2-256:4 each (the only variable field)
+```
+
+The signature always covers `manifest[0, 129)` (the head + `base_hash` + `signer_pubkey`). `approval` is
+outside the signed region so it can be flipped in place on consent without breaking the signature.
+
+Manifest-minus-leaves size (`mfl`) is a constant **197 bytes** for every container (full or delta, signed
+or unsigned). At 197 bytes the manifest exceeds one packet, so `OTA_MANIFEST` is always sent multi-fragment
+(Section 8.4, 2 fragments) and reassembled by the fetcher.
+
+### 4.1 Signed region
+
+`signature` covers manifest bytes `[0, 129)` - the head + `base_hash` + `signer_pubkey`. It does **not**
+cover `approval` or `leaves[]`:
+
+- `leaves[]` are verified against the signed `merkle_root` (Section 6), so they need no separate signature.
+- `approval` is device-local consent (Section 4.2), deliberately outside the signature.
+
+### 4.2 The `approval` field
+
+- Distributed and **forced on ingest** to `FF FF FF FF` (a peer can never pre-approve).
+- The local owner's `ota applydelta` writes `41 50 52 56` (`"APRV"`) - a single NOR-safe write (only clears
+  bits from the erased word). Any partial/other value reads as not-approved (fail-safe).
+- Bound to this image (lives in this `.mota`'s manifest, re-erased when a new `.mota` is staged).
+- A **consent** marker, not a security primitive. Authenticity = `signature` + `image_hash` + `hw_id`.
+
+---
+
+## 5. Payload, codecs & delta base
+
+`PAYLOAD` is either the full reconstructed image (`FULL`) or a delta (`!FULL`).
+
+| `codec_id` | Meaning | Used by |
+|---|---|---|
+| 0 | full / raw | PAYLOAD = reconstructed image (`BODY||EndF`). ESP32 A/B or the SD-backed MeshTower V2 target. |
+| 1 | detools **sequential** | random read of base + sequential write of result -> ESP32 A->B inactive slot. |
+| 2 | detools **in-place** | bounded scratch; rewrites the app region in place -> nRF52 single-slot. |
+
+For deltas, `base_hash` = the base build's `EndF.body_hash` (sha2-256:8 of its BODY). A node applies a
+delta only if `base_hash` matches its own `EndF.body_hash`. After applying, the result MUST hash
+(sha2-256:32) to `image_hash` before it is booted - the hard security gate.
+
+**A fetcher only requests firmware it can apply.** Each node declares the codec(s) it can apply
+(`set_apply_codec`/`set_apply_codec2`): ESP32 accepts `full` + `sequential` (+ `in-place`). Normal nRF52
+targets accept only `in-place` because internal flash cannot stage a full application image. The
+MeshTower V2 SD target accepts `full` + `in-place` because the card holds the container. A `.mota` with
+an unsupported codec is rejected at discovery time, before any blocks are requested. A manual pull to
+an external folder may accept other codecs because that path captures bytes and never installs them.
+
+Compression is internal to the detools patch and must be supported by the applier. Patches are produced by
+**detools 0.53.0** (`tools/mota` -> `detools.create_patch`) and decoded on-device by detools' embeddable C
+decoder, vendored verbatim at `src/helpers/ota/detools/` (see its `README.meshcore.txt`). That build
+enables only the self-contained `NONE` + `CRLE` compressions (no malloc/liblzma/heatshrink), so MeshCore
+deltas use `--compression crle`. **Do not reimplement the codec** - use the vendored decoder.
+
+---
+
+## 6. Merkle tree (sha2-256:4)
+
+Verifies each PAYLOAD block against the signed `merkle_root` **before** the whole payload exists, so
+corruption/forgery is localized to a block. Implemented in `MerkleTree.cpp`.
+
+- **Blocks:** PAYLOAD splits into `BC = ceil(payload_size / B)` blocks, `B = 2^block_size_log2` (default
+  1024). The last block is its real length (**no zero padding**).
+- **Leaf:** `leaves[i] = sha2-256:4( block_i_bytes )`.
+- **Internal node:** `node = sha2-256:4( left || right )` (4+4 input bytes).
+- **Odd level:** an odd count promotes the **last node unchanged** to the next level (no duplication).
+- **Root:** reduce until one node remains. `BC == 1` -> root = `leaves[0]`. `BC == 0` is invalid.
+
+### 6.1 Proofs
+
+A proof for block `i` is the ordered list of sibling digests from leaf to root. Promoted levels contribute
+**no** element. Verification (needs `BC` to know the tree shape):
+
+```
+h = leaf_i ; idx = i ; n = BC ; p = 0
+while n > 1:
+    if (n is odd) and (idx == n-1):        # this node was promoted
+        pass
+    else:
+        sib, side = proof[p] ; p += 1
+        h = sha2-256:4( sib || h ) if side==left else sha2-256:4( h || sib )
+    idx //= 2 ; n = (n + 1) // 2
+accept iff h == merkle_root and p == len(proof)
+```
+
+Over LoRa, `leaves[]` are **omitted** from the manifest transfer. A serving node computes a block's proof
+on demand from its stored `leaves[]` and normally sends `OTA_PROOF` immediately after that block's paced
+`OTA_DATA`. `OTA_REQ_PROOF` remains the fallback for an older source or a lost proactive proof. The fetcher
+fills its own `leaves[i]` as each verified block lands.
+
+---
+
+## 7. Block availability, staging & resume
+
+There is no separate availability structure. **Block `i` is present <=> `leaves[i]` is non-erased**
+(`!= FF FF FF FF`). Because `leaves[]` live in the staged flash region, availability **survives reboot**.
+
+**Commit order per block (crash-safe):** (1) verify proof, (2) write block payload to its offset, (3) write
+`leaves[i]` **last**. A power loss before step 3 leaves the slot erased -> the block is simply re-fetched
+(idempotent). On boot a node rebuilds an in-RAM present-bitmap by scanning `leaves[]`.
+
+**Resume (`OtaManager::resumeStaged` + `OtaStore::checkpoint`/`reopen`):** an interrupted fetch resumes from
+the staged container after a reboot - re-parse the stored manifest, recompute geometry, count present
+blocks, continue fetching the holes (or jump straight to COMPLETE). The checkpoint cadence (persist progress
+every N committed blocks) is runtime-tunable (`ota config checkpoint <N>`, 0 = only finalized containers
+resume). Stores keep `leaves[]` in RAM until flush and never auto-GC, preserving resumable progress.
+
+**Flash-store note (RX-safe writes):** a flash page-erase halts the CPU (~85 ms on nRF52) and starves LoRa
+RX, so the flash stores (`OtaStoreFlashNrf52`/`OtaStoreFlashEsp32`) **coalesce writes to the erase unit**
+(4 KB page / sector) and commit each once off the per-packet path - RAM stays O(one page), not O(image). A
+small delta that fits page 0 does zero flash I/O until COMPLETE.
+
+---
+
+## 8. LoRa OTA protocol
+
+Carried in MeshCore packets with **`PAYLOAD_TYPE_OTA = 0x0C`**. Every OTA packet payload is:
+
+```
+[0]    ota_msg_type      (OtaMsgType, OtaFormat.h)
+[1..]  body              (fixed per type; encode/decode in OtaProtocol.cpp)
+```
+
+Message types:
+
+| `ota_msg_type` | val | routing | purpose |
+|---|---|---|---|
+| `OTA_ADV`          | 0x01 | discovery | tiny per-node beacon (discovery tier 1) |
+| `OTA_QUERY`        | 0x02 | discovery | ask a source for its catalog (discovery tier 2) |
+| `OTA_HAVE`         | 0x03 | discovery | the catalog reply (fragmented, digest-tagged) |
+| `OTA_GET_MANIFEST` | 0x04 | transfer | request a manifest's fragments (`want_mask`) by `manifest_id` |
+| `OTA_MANIFEST`     | 0x05 | transfer | the manifest-minus-leaves, fragmented |
+| `OTA_REQ`          | 0x06 | transfer | request fragments from an adaptive flight of 1-4 blocks (`want_mask` per block) |
+| `OTA_DATA`         | 0x07 | transfer | one self-describing fragment of a block's data |
+| `OTA_REQ_PROOF`    | 0x08 | transfer | request/re-request a missing proof |
+| `OTA_PROOF`        | 0x09 | transfer | the merkle proof for one block |
+| `OTA_GET_LEAVES`   | 0x0A | transfer | request the target's `leaves[]` fragments (`want_mask`) - warm-start only |
+| `OTA_LEAVES`       | 0x0B | transfer | a fragment of the `leaves[]` array (for host-side seed leaf-diff) |
+
+- **`manifest_id`** = the manifest's `merkle_root` (4 bytes) - a compact content id present in every
+  transfer message, so a multi-mota server dispatches each request to the right image.
+- **Priority:** `OTA_ADV`, `OTA_QUERY`, and `OTA_HAVE` enqueue at background priority 250. Once a fetch is
+  active, manifest, block request, data, and proof messages enqueue at primary priority 0. Relay-only
+  nodes classify the wire message identically, so a transfer stays primary across the complete path.
+- **Reliability is *eventual*:** the fetcher re-requests only missing fragments after an adaptive deadline
+  derived from packet airtime, outstanding response packets, duty pacing, and path length. The manager may
+  still run a one-second maintenance tick, but that tick is not itself a retry timer. No hard ACKs or global
+  ordering are required.
+- **Relay envelope:** OTA still uses a bounded flood-shaped mesh header so the same packets can cross the
+  configured number of hops without first discovering an addressed return path. During TempRadio each node
+  forwards one copy; active OTA packets do not use the generic flood-retry subsystem. The fetcher verifies
+  every block against the signed root, and a repeater without `ENABLE_OTA` can transport
+  `PAYLOAD_TYPE_OTA` opaquely without the manager, staging store, installer, or destination bootloader.
+- **Hop limit + duty cycle:** OTA floods accumulate one path-hash per relay (the mesh's flood routing). A
+  node with the OTA manager *accepts* a packet only if it arrived within `ota config hops` hops (default 3;
+  `0` = direct only) and *relays* it only while still under that limit, appending its own hash. Relay-only
+  repeaters instead use their ordinary flood limits and forwarding filters. Discovery relays remain
+  lowest-priority and may be skipped when the packet pool runs low. Active-transfer relays bypass that
+  background pool gate and use priority 0; operators should therefore treat TempRadio as a dedicated OTA
+  maintenance window because the transfer can delay unrelated mesh traffic.
+
+### 8.1 Two-tier discovery
+
+Because a node may serve **many** mOTAs (its own firmware plus an external folder - Section 10), discovery is split
+so the periodic beacon stays tiny regardless of catalog size:
+
+**Tier 1 - `OTA_ADV` beacon** (10 bytes, constant). Flooded as a short burst at boot, then every
+`advert_mins` minutes (default 24h; runtime-tunable via `ota config advert`, `0` disables the periodic
+re-advertise). It is also emitted immediately whenever the served set changes (e.g. a `motatool` folder is
+attached/detached), so peers learn about newly-available firmware without waiting for the next interval:
+
+```
+seeder_id[4]    advertiser node id = pubkey[0:4]; the QUERY address + distinct-source id
+n_motas         uint8 - count of complete servable mOTAs (saturates at 255)
+set_digest[4]   sha2-256:4 over the SORTED set of served manifest_ids (see below)
+```
+
+`set_digest` is a **content hash of the offering**, not a counter: canonical across nodes, and it changes
+iff the set of served mids changes. A peer that has already catalogued this `{seeder, set_digest}` ignores
+the beacon (steady state is query-free). For a single served mota, `set_digest = sha2-256:4(mid)`.
+
+**Tier 2 - `OTA_QUERY` -> `OTA_HAVE`** (on interest only):
+
+```
+OTA_QUERY  (flood):  seeder_id[4]  set_digest[4]  filter_target(uint32) want_fragments(uint32)
+                     # filter_target 0 = everything; want_fragments 0 = every fragment
+OTA_HAVE   (flood):  seeder_id[4]  set_digest[4]  frag_idx(1) frag_total(1) n_rows(1)  rows[]
+  HaveRow (16 bytes, OTA_HAVE_ROW_BYTES): mid[4] target_id(4) fw_version(4) codec_id(1) flags(1) have_count(2)
+```
+
+`have_count` is the number of blocks the source holds (`== block_count` for a complete offered image).
+Receivers do not advertise partial or completed downloads as new sources.
+
+A node interested in a source's offering schedules a QUERY; the source replies with its full catalog as
+`OTA_HAVE` rows (fragmented if they exceed one packet - 10 rows per fragment). A receiver marks the catalog
+complete only after all `frag_total` fragments arrive. If any are missing after the recovery timeout, it sends
+another QUERY whose `want_fragments` bitmap names only the holes. `want_fragments` is an append-only extension:
+an original 13-byte QUERY is still accepted and means "send every fragment." The heavy manifest is
+fetched per-mid only on commit (Section 8.3).
+
+Fragment numbers are canonical pages of the complete catalog sorted by `manifest_id`. `filter_target` may
+remove rows from a requested page (and can therefore produce an empty fragment), but it never renumbers pages
+or changes `frag_total`. This keeps missing-fragment recovery unambiguous when filtered and unfiltered queries
+for the same `{seeder, set_digest}` are overheard together.
+
+### 8.2 Anti-storm (mandatory at mesh scale)
+
+If 50 neighbours all queried a new beacon at once, the mesh would collapse. Mitigations (gossip/mDNS
+pattern), all in `OtaManager`:
+
+- **`OTA_HAVE` is flooded and digest-tagged.** EVERY node that overhears it caches the rows **passively**
+  (keyed by `{seeder, set_digest}`) - no query of its own needed.
+- **Jittered query:** a peer needing a catalog schedules its `OTA_QUERY` after a random delay
+  `OTA_QUERY_MIN_MS (300) + rand(OTA_QUERY_SPREAD_MS (4000))`, derived from `id +/ digest +/ self`.
+- **Overhear suppression:** during the jitter window, overhearing another QUERY that covers the same scope,
+  or completing the HAVE fragment set for the same `{seeder, set_digest}`, cancels the pending query.
+- **Per-source recovery:** each seeder has independent query/retry state. One source cannot overwrite another
+  source's timer, and a partial reply requests only missing fragments after 15 seconds (five bounded retries,
+  then another source ADV or explicit `ota ls` can start a fresh series).
+
+Net effect: a digest change costs ~1 query + ~1 HAVE flood mesh-wide; a stable mesh is query-free.
+
+### 8.3 Fetch handshake
+
+```
+fetcher                                   server (any node that has the mid)
+  OTA_GET_MANIFEST(mid, want_mask)  >     (want_mask=0xFFFF first; only missing fragments on retry)
+                               <-------   OTA_MANIFEST(mid, frag_idx, frag_total, bytes)   x requested frags
+  (reassemble manifest, verify, compute geometry: BC, block_size, payload_size)
+  for each adaptive flight of missing blocks (starts at 1, grows on clean flights):
+    OTA_REQ(mid, {block_idx, want_mask}[]) >  (one packet; all fragments first, only holes on recovery)
+                               <-------   OTA_DATA(mid, block_idx, frag_off, data) x requested frags/block
+                               <-------   OTA_PROOF(mid, block_idx, n_proof, proof) x requested blocks
+    (independently reassemble + verify each block, but remain RX-silent until the flight drains)
+    [after adaptive deadline: recover one block's holes, or OTA_REQ_PROOF for a missing proof]
+    (clean flight grows by one block; recovered flight halves the next width)
+  when all blocks present: verify full merkle_root + image_hash -> COMPLETE
+```
+
+### 8.4 Message bodies (transfer)
+
+All offsets after the 1-byte type. Encoders/decoders in `OtaProtocol.cpp`; constants in `OtaManager.h`.
+
+```
+OTA_GET_MANIFEST:  manifest_id[4]  want_mask(uint16)   # bit k = send manifest fragment k; 0xFFFF = all
+OTA_MANIFEST:      manifest_id[4]  frag_idx(1)  frag_total(1)  bytes[]     # up to OTA_MF_FRAG=176 B/frag
+OTA_REQ:           manifest_id[4]  { block_idx(uint16)  want_mask(uint16) }[1..4]
+                   # one or more rows; bit k = send fragment k of that block
+OTA_DATA:          manifest_id[4]  block_idx(uint16)  frag_off(uint16)  data[]   # up to OTA_FRAG_DATA=160 B
+OTA_REQ_PROOF:     manifest_id[4]  block_idx(uint16)
+OTA_PROOF:         manifest_id[4]  block_idx(uint16)  n_proof(1)  proof[]   # n_proof x 4 bytes
+OTA_GET_LEAVES:    manifest_id[4]  want_mask(uint16)   # bit k = send leaves fragment k; 0xFFFF = all
+OTA_LEAVES:        manifest_id[4]  frag_idx(1)  frag_total(1)  bytes[]      # up to OTA_LEAVES_FRAG=176 leaf bytes
+```
+
+- **Warm-start / leaf-diff (`OTA_GET_LEAVES`/`OTA_LEAVES`) - motatool folder-capture only.** Capturing a
+  device's firmware into a `motatool serve` folder is slow (a full image is hundreds of blocks). Because
+  builds here are non-deterministic, you cannot reproduce the exact target on the host - but a *similar*
+  build (e.g. a fresh recompile) is ~99% identical. So `motatool serve --seed <similar.mota>` stages that
+  build's payload into the destination `.part`, and `ota pull <mid8> folder validate` makes the fetcher (1) bulk-
+  fetch the target's `leaves[]` via `OTA_GET_LEAVES`/`OTA_LEAVES` (bitmap-fragmented with a `want_mask`, same
+  anti-burst rule as `OTA_MANIFEST`), (2) recompute the merkle root from them and check it equals the
+  manifest root (authenticate), then (3) keep every seeded block whose leaf matches and pull full `OTA_DATA`
+  only for the blocks that differ. The `want_mask` is a fixed **uint16**, so `leaves[]` is capped at
+  `OTA_LEAVES_MAXFRAG=16` fragments (`OTA_DIFF_MAX_BLOCKS=704` blocks); larger images just fall back to a full
+  fetch. **Normal P2P nodes never use this** - they target only the blocks they want; the only always-on part
+  is answering `OTA_GET_LEAVES` with leaves the node already holds, so any node's firmware can be captured.
+
+- **Block <-> fragments:** a 1 KB block remains split into self-describing `OTA_DATA` fragments. `frag_off` is the
+  byte offset of `data` within the block, so the global position is `block_idx*block_size + frag_off` -
+  a fragment is self-placing when returned by the source. The fetcher tracks a
+  per-block slice bitmap and reassembles before requesting the proof.
+- **Adaptive flight size is not signed block size.** The container continues to use 1 KiB Merkle leaves and
+  each slot is one existing 1 KiB block. A clean link changes how many of those blocks one `OTA_REQ` names:
+  1, then 2, then 3, then the compiled cap. The manifest stores `block_size_log2`, so 3 KiB is not a valid
+  logical geometry; enabling 2 KiB would require larger device reassembly buffers and new-package/bootloader
+  validation while saving only one request/proof pair per 2 KiB. It does not address premature retries, which
+  were the dominant packet multiplier.
+- **Append-only request-window compatibility:** the first four-byte request row is exactly the original
+  `block_idx + want_mask` body. Old sources decode that row and ignore appended bytes. New sources queue all
+  rows. If a new fetcher meets an old source, the unserved tail rows eventually time out and are recovered as
+  ordinary single-row requests; the dirty flight then contracts. Old fetchers continue sending nine-byte
+  single-row requests, which new sources accept normally.
+- **Fragment-level requests (anti-deadlock + anti-congestion):** `OTA_REQ`, `OTA_GET_MANIFEST`, and `OTA_QUERY`
+  carry fragment masks. For catalog discovery, `want_fragments` is a 32-bit bitmap and covers the protocol
+  maximum 255-row catalog (26 fragments at the current packet size). For block and manifest transfer, the
+  `want_mask` is 16 bits. A fetcher requests the full set on the first ask
+  (`(1<<nf)-1`, or `0xFFFF` before `frag_total` is known) and **only the still-missing bits** on any retry,
+  so recovering one lost fragment re-sends *one* fragment, not the whole block/manifest. This is essential on
+  half-duplex radios: re-requesting a whole multi-fragment burst let the periodic retry (a transmit) collide
+  with the tail of the in-flight burst and drop the same fragment forever - a hang. Requesting only the hole
+  removes the burst, so there is nothing to collide with. The block/manifest mask matches the 16-bit
+  reassembly bitmap (<=16 fragments/block; 1 KB blocks = 7). `OTA_PROOF` is a single packet and needs no mask.
+- **Data and proof remain separate packets, without a normal extra round trip.** A server retains requested
+  blocks in a bounded descriptor queue, admits at most one response per main-loop pass, and sends one
+  `OTA_PROOF` after each block's requested fragments. Before admitting that proactive proof, the source leaves
+  an airtime/duty-aware 100-3000 ms RX turnaround gap. It accounts for one active transmission plus the two
+  paced-response queue credits. A legacy receiver uses the gap to send its immediate
+  `OTA_REQ_PROOF`; receiving that explicit request bypasses the remaining gap, avoiding a proof/request
+  collision and an otherwise multi-second legacy retry. A newer receiver uses an airtime/path-aware proof
+  grace (never less than 500 ms) and defers `OTA_REQ_PROOF` while any flight slot still expects DATA. Thus a
+  missing early proof cannot make the receiver transmit into the rest of a legitimate half-duplex response
+  train. After the complete-flight deadline, only one slot's missing fragments/proof is requested at a time.
+
+### 8.5 Sizing against `MAX_PACKET_PAYLOAD = 184`
+
+| message | fixed overhead | payload/packet |
+|---|---|---|
+| `OTA_DATA` | 9 B (type+mid4+idx2+off2) | `OTA_FRAG_DATA = 160` -> 7 frags per 1 KB block |
+| `OTA_MANIFEST` | 7 B | `OTA_MF_FRAG = 176` -> signed manifest ~ 2 frags |
+| `OTA_HAVE` | 12 B | 10 rows x 16 B per fragment |
+| `OTA_PROOF` | 8 B | up to ~44 sibling digests (>> any real tree) |
+
+A served mota supports up to `OTA_MAX_BLOCK/4` leaves in the default 4 KB proof scratch (<=1024 blocks ~ 1 MB
+payload); larger self-images pass a bigger scratch buffer.
+
+### 8.6 Temporary-radio and transfer boundary
+
+OTA packets may cross normal mesh relay hops, but each participating node processes or relays them only while
+its `tempradio` window is actually running. A receiver selects missing blocks in serial order into a bounded
+request flight. Every session starts with one block. A clean completed flight increases the next request by
+one block; a flight requiring fragment/proof recovery halves the next width (`4 -> 2`, `3 -> 2`, `2 -> 1`).
+The default compiled cap is two blocks; the RAK3401 LoRa-OTA target caps at four, so it probes
+`1 -> 2 -> 3 -> 4`. All rows are sent in one backward-compatible `OTA_REQ`, and no freed slot is refilled
+until the current flight is finished. It never serves
+partial blocks. A normal install receiver never re-advertises its completed
+download. An SD archive node is the deliberate exception: after a fully proof-verified container is published
+to its persistent archive, it registers that complete file as a MotaSource and advertises it as a new seeder.
+This keeps each active transfer as one transmitter and one receiver while still allowing active temporary-radio
+repeaters between them and persistent archive nodes to improve future availability.
+
+TempRadio is treated as a private maintenance network. Active transfer packets use priority 0, bypass the
+public-flood receive holdoff, use the full transmit budget without overwriting the saved normal-radio airtime
+factor, retain the relay role's airtime-scaled transmit collision window, and do not schedule generic flood
+retries. Deployed firmware predating that TempRadio budget override can be accelerated manually with a saved
+`get af` / temporary `set af 0` / restore sequence. The bounded serving
+queue admits at most two DATA/PROOF packets ahead of the radio while preserving at least four free packet-pool
+entries. CAD remains enabled to arbitrate the half-duplex channel, but its busy retry is scaled to one-quarter
+of a packet airtime and clamped to 5-50 ms instead of the ordinary 120-360 ms cadence. Discovery traffic keeps
+collision jitter and background priority. The fetch deadline uses the active radio's measured maximum-packet
+airtime, remaining DATA/PROOF packet count, dispatcher airtime factor, and longest observed path (falling back
+to the configured hop horizon before one is observed), with bounded guard time. Faster SF/BW settings
+therefore recover loss sooner; slower or multi-hop settings do not spuriously re-request a response still on
+air. These changes remove software waits and duplicate bursts; they do not remove the one required forwarding
+transmission per hop.
+
+---
+
+## 9. Identity, trust & versioning
+
+- **`target_id`** (4 B): `sha2-256:4(pio_env_name)` (little-endian uint32). The env name uniquely captures
+  hardware **and** role/partition, so a node auto-fetches only matching firmware (a companion image is not
+  fetched onto a repeater even though it shares `hw_id`). It is **self-described in the firmware's EndF**
+  (Section 2, written by `pio_endf.py`) and read via `ota_self_firmware()`, so it is correct on any build;
+  `-D MOTA_TARGET_ID` / `MainBoard::getOtaTargetId()` is the fallback when no EndF identity is present.
+  `tools/mota` reads it from the firmware's EndF (or `--target-env`). A manual `ota pull`/`want` can override
+  target (deliberate role switch); the `hw_id` brick-safety gate (Section 4) still applies at apply time.
+- **`target_id` vs `hw_id`** - complementary, not redundant: `target_id` is the fetch-routing key
+  (hw + role + partition); `hw_id` is the human-readable brick-safety key (hardware only). Same board, two
+  roles => same `hw_id`, different `target_id`.
+- **Naming a `target_id` locally:** only the 4-byte `target_id` ever travels on the wire. To show *which*
+  board/role a target is, a node (and `motatool`) reverse-looks-it-up in `src/helpers/ota/OtaTargets.h` -
+  a generated `target_id -> env-name` table covering every `ENABLE_OTA` env (`tools/mota/gen_targets.py`,
+  resolved from `pio project config`). So `ota ls` can render `[Heltec_v3_repeater]` for a neighbour's
+  beacon without the string being transmitted. Unknown IDs show as raw `hw XXXXXXXX` / `N/A` values.
+- **`fw_version`:** packed comparable uint32 (`MAJOR<<24 | MINOR<<16 | PATCH<<8 | pre`); also self-described
+  in EndF. `ota ls` prints the stable eight-hex manifest ID and uses `[same target]`, `[unsupported]`, or
+  `[rescue]` after combining target equality with the local codec, bootloader, and EndF preflight. A known
+  different target is rendered by environment name; an unknown/unset target remains raw or `?`. Target
+  equality is routing information, not by itself an assertion that an image is safe to install.
+- **`hw_id`:** 32-byte NUL-padded ASCII hardware tag inside the signed head. The applier refuses a `.mota`
+  whose `hw_id` differs from the device's own tag (empty on either side = permissive). Brick-safety
+  independent of signature.
+- **Signing & allowlist:** a node keeps a runtime allowlist of trusted Ed25519 signer pubkeys (none embedded
+  in firmware; `ota key add/list/rm`). A `.mota` is eligible for **auto-install** only if signed by an
+  allowlisted key, the signature verifies, and `image_hash` matches; otherwise it is manual-apply only with
+  explicit confirmation. **Transfer needs no trust** - blocks are content-addressed against the signed root.
+- **Policies (persisted):** `autofetch` in {off, any, signed} (default off) gates automatic block fetching of
+  own-target adverts; `autoinstall` in {off, trusted} (default off) gates auto-apply of a COMPLETE signed +
+  allowlisted fetch. Conservative defaults: a fresh node discovers + announces but never fetches/installs
+  without operator intent.
+- **Supersession:** a newer version announced mid-download does not abort the in-progress transfer
+  (finish-current).
+
+---
+
+## 10. Multi-mota serve & the external "folder" relay
+
+A node serves a **set** of mOTAs: its own firmware plus, optionally, an external folder of `.mota` files it
+relays without holding them in flash. To peers it simply "has N mOTAs"; the relay is trustless (fetchers
+verify everything). The serve side (`OtaManager`) keeps a lightweight registry of what it advertises and two
+resident "views": `view0` (its own firmware) and one on-demand view loaded from a source when a request
+targets an external mota. Every fetch message carries `manifest_id`, so dispatch is a registry lookup.
+
+The same host-folder link is also a **pull destination** (the reverse direction): `ota pull <mid8> folder`
+fetches a `.mota` off the mesh and streams it onto the host as `<mid>.mota` via the seeder STORAGE ops
+(`OP_STAT/BEGIN/WRITE/SREAD/FIN`, see `MotaSeederProto.h`), using a `FolderMotaStore` as the fetch's
+`OtaStore` instead of RAM/flash. This captures an exact copy of a device's firmware - e.g. to build a delta
+against firmware you don't have. Resume is bookkeeping-free: `BEGIN` 0xFF-fills the file and, on reconnect
+after a link drop (the fetch PAUSES, holding progress on the host - no RAM/flash fallback), `STAT`+`SREAD`
+let the fetcher recompute and refill only the missing blocks.
+
+### 10.1 The `MotaSource` abstraction (`OtaSource.h`)
+
+Transport-agnostic provider of one or more complete `.mota` as random-access bytes. The same serve code
+drives USB-serial, BLE, a WiFi URL list, an NFS/samba mount, etc. - only `read()` differs.
+
+```cpp
+struct MotaDesc {                      // catalog metadata + region offsets (no whole image in RAM)
+  uint8_t mid[4]; uint32_t target_id, fw_version; uint8_t codec_id, flags;
+  uint32_t total_size, leaves_off, block_count, payload_off, payload_size;
+};
+class MotaSource {
+  virtual uint8_t count();                                  // # mOTAs offered
+  virtual bool    describe(uint8_t idx, MotaDesc& out);     // metadata + offsets
+  virtual bool    read(uint8_t idx, uint32_t off, uint8_t* buf, uint32_t len);   // random-access bytes
+};
+```
+
+To serve an external mota the node reads its manifest-minus-leaves + `leaves[]` into RAM (<=4 KB for <=1024
+blocks) and streams payload blocks from the source on demand; proofs are generated from the read leaves.
+
+### 10.2 The `mota-seeder` transport (`MotaSeederProto.h`)
+
+A `MotaSource` is fed by a host that serves a folder over the device's **USB serial** (the same console the
+CLI uses - no extra hardware) or, on an ESP32 WiFi companion or FULL ESP32 role, over **WiFi (TCP)**. The
+host is the
+standalone Rust tool [`motatool`](https://github.com/vk496/motatool) (`motatool serve --serial <port>` /
+`--tcp <host[:port]>`, which also builds + verifies + inspects `.mota`). The device only emits request frames *while
+actively serving a fetch*, and reads the reply synchronously, so over the shared USB console binary frames
+coexist with the text CLI/logs (resync on magic + checksum). Little-endian, XOR-checksummed:
+
+```
+request  (device -> host):  'M' 'S'  op(1)  args...                 xsum(1 = XOR of op+args)
+response (host -> device):  'm' 's'  op(1)  status(1)  payload...    xsum(1 = XOR of all prior)
+
+OP_COUNT     0x01   args: -            -> payload: count(1)
+OP_DESCRIBE  0x02   args: idx(1)       -> payload: MotaDesc wire (38 B)
+OP_READ      0x03   args: idx(1) off(4) len(2)  -> payload: len bytes
+MotaDesc wire (38 B): mid[4] target_id(4) fw_version(4) codec(1) flags(1)
+                      total_size(4) leaves_off(4) block_count(4) payload_off(4) payload_size(4)
+                      block_size_log2(1) reserved(3)
+status: 0 = OK, non-zero = error (out of range / past EOF).
+```
+
+`SerialMotaSource` splits logical reads into replies of at most 192 payload
+bytes. A manifest's leaf table can exceed 256 bytes and payload blocks are
+normally 1 KiB; requesting either in one transaction can overrun common USB
+CDC/UART receive rings even though the host successfully wrote the complete
+reply. Chunking is internal to the transport and does not change `OP_READ` or
+the `MotaSource` random-access contract.
+
+Manifest fragments are retained as bounded response jobs and admitted one at
+a time. Their source-side gap follows the active maximum packet airtime and
+dispatcher duty spacing, clamped to 100-1000 ms. The 100 ms floor protects
+fast radios' TX-to-RX turnaround; the cap keeps the receiver's one-second
+manifest progress/retry observation responsive. The source uses the same
+radio-aware 100-3000 ms drain/turnaround gap before an unsolicited block proof,
+but immediately serves a
+legacy receiver's explicit `OTA_REQ_PROOF`. Relay collision delay is a separate
+setting: active OTA floods honor the relay role's configured `txdelay`, and the
+deployment runner temporarily uses `0.3` on managed relays.
+
+**What to plug into `--serial`.** Use the USB serial console of an OTA-enabled MeshCore node built with
+`OTA_FOLDER_SERIAL`. The node must have a working LoRa radio plus an
+`ota folder on` command; that command confirms it can host and advertise the folder. A **KISS modem will not
+work**: KISS firmware exposes a TNC/KISS frame interface, not the MeshCore CLI and `mota-seeder`
+request/response transport. An ESP32 WiFi companion or FULL ESP32 role with active WiFi is the alternative
+source connection: use its dedicated seeder port with `motatool serve --tcp <host>:5001`.
+
+Device CLI: `ota folder on` (attach + announce), `ota folder` (list), `ota folder off`. Build flag
+`OTA_FOLDER_SERIAL` (default stream = console `Serial`; override `OTA_FOLDER_SERIAL_STREAM` + define
+`OTA_FOLDER_SERIAL_BEGIN` for a dedicated UART). ESP32 WiFi companions and FULL ESP32 roles run a
+`WiFiServer` on the **dedicated seeder port** (`OTA_SEEDER_TCP_PORT`, default `5001`) while WiFi is usable.
+On a companion it is separate from the app port (`TCP_PORT`, default `5000`); on infrastructure roles it is
+separate from WebConfig and browser OTA on port 80. The node auto-attaches the source when a seeder client
+connects and detaches when it closes (no `ota folder on` needed over TCP). An already-active serial folder
+causes a TCP client to be rejected instead of silently replacing it. Verified on hardware: a RAK4631
+relays a host folder to a
+Heltec V3 over one USB cable, and a host feeds a Heltec V3 over WiFi (`:5001`) while the companion serves a
+phone on `:5000` - every block merkle-checked.
+
+The attach reply and bare `ota folder` report `host=advertised/offered`. The registry is RAM-bounded
+(`OTA_MAX_SERVE`, with the node's own firmware consuming one slot), so a host may correctly index more valid
+files than this particular firmware can advertise. Omitted entries are now reported instead of silently
+disappearing. Operators should split a large chain or use a higher-capacity/SD seeder when the two counts differ.
+
+**Transport-agnostic by design.** The request/response *semantics* (`COUNT` / `DESCRIBE(idx)` /
+`READ(idx, off, len)` over a folder catalog) are independent of the link. The 2-byte magic + XOR checksum +
+resync framing above exists for the shared USB-UART (an unframed byte stream); it is harmless over a
+reliable stream and the **WiFi (TCP)** transport reuses it as-is - both ends just treat the socket as a
+byte stream (on-device, `SerialMotaSource` runs verbatim over an Arduino `Stream`-compatible `WiFiClient`;
+`motatool`'s `TcpTransport` mirrors its `SerialTransport`). A future framed link such as **BLE GATT** (an
+Android phone relaying a folder) could carry the same ops with no magic/checksum at all - a request
+characteristic write delivers `op + args`, the reply notifies `status + payload`. `motatool` reflects this
+split: a transport-free `SeederCore` (the catalog logic) under a swappable framing/transport layer.
+
+---
+
+## 11. CLI surface (`OtaCli.cpp`)
+
+User-facing OTA data should travel via `CMD_OTA_*` companion binary frames; the text CLI below is
+debug/operator oriented and replies are `snprintf`-bounded into a 160-byte buffer.
+
+Commands take intuitive aliases (matched by the first word; see `is_cmd` in `OtaCli.cpp`) so they're easy
+to type and read - `status`/`neighbors`/`pull`/`drop`/`applydelta` are the canonical names, the aliases are
+the recommended user-facing forms. Output is plain-language (a user-facing guide lives at
+[ota_user_guide.md](ota_user_guide.md)).
+
+```
+ota help | ? | h                   list the commands
+ota status | st  (or bare `ota`)   plain-language: running fw, the one fetch session (state/%/id), serving, keys
+ota ls | neighbors | nbrs | updates | n [page]   paged updates (queries sources; rows arrive async via OTA_HAVE)
+ota get | pull | download <mid8|#index> flash [rescue] | folder [validate]
+                                      fetch by stable mid8 (preferred) or current page index
+ota install | apply | applydelta   verify + approve + (ESP32) apply / (nRF52) reboot-to-bootloader
+ota rescue install <base_hash16>  internal-flash nRF52 only: recover from failed app-side EndF validation
+ota cancel | drop | stop           drop the current fetch session (frees the slot)
+ota announce | adv                 serve self + send a beacon now
+ota self | id                      print this firmware's EndF (body/image size, base_hash)
+ota folder | fold [on|off]         attach/detach an external .mota folder (host daemon) ; bare = list
+ota config | cfg | set [autofetch|autoinstall|checkpoint] ...   show/set persisted policy
+ota key | keys [add|rm <hex>]      trusted signer allowlist ; bare = list
+ota dev ...                        bring-up helpers (stage/recv/serve/verify)
+```
+
+---
+
+<a id="12-apply-bootloader-contract"></a>
+## 12. Apply & bootloader contract
+
+- **ESP32 (A/B):** applied in-firmware via the detools decoder into the inactive OTA slot
+  (`OtaApply.cpp::ota_apply_detools_mota` + `OtaStoreFlashEsp32`), then set-boot + reboot (power-safe,
+  rollback-capable). No bootloader changes. Erase ranges must be sector-aligned (4096).
+- **nRF52 (single-slot):** the running firmware **never** flashes the app. `ota applydelta` verifies fully
+  (`image_hash`, `base_hash`, signature/allowlist, `hw_id`), writes `approval = "APRV"`, then reboots into
+  the modified bootloader (`Adafruit_nRF52_Bootloader_OTAFIX`). The bootloader:
+  1. **scans flash for `MAGIC`** to find the staged `.mota` (it must NOT trust any stored size),
+  2. re-checks `TRAILER`, `image_hash`, `approval == "APRV"`, and that the delta's `base_hash` equals the
+     running firmware's `EndF.body_hash` (recomputed by scanning for `EndF` - never trust `bank_0_size`),
+  3. applies the in-place codec over the app region and boots only if the result hashes to `image_hash`.
+- **nRF52 internal staging ceiling:** the application derives the ceiling from facts available in every
+  build, not a board-name list. A companion that actually links the internal ExtraFS datastore stays below
+  `0xD4000`; a default linker region, QSPI secondary storage, or a role that does not mount ExtraFS can
+  reclaim the unused 100 KiB through `0xED000`. The application uses the larger window only when the
+  installed bootloader advertises the GPREGRET2 ceiling-handoff capability. The bootloader treats every
+  unknown/legacy handoff value as
+  `0xD4000`, and accepts a container only at the bottom-aligned position for the selected ceiling.
+- **nRF52 dynamic apply window:** the post-build hook records the resolved app base, linked app end,
+  storage flags, and desired staging ceiling immediately before `EndF`. `motatool` reads that authenticated
+  firmware record and chooses `memory_size` from the actual patch size and bottom-aligned stage address;
+  firmware without the record retains the conservative `0x98000` default. Before writing `APRV`, the app
+  verifies the detools header fits below the staged container, and the bootloader independently repeats
+  the geometry check before its first application write. Expanded auto-sized packages require a bootloader
+  with the ceiling-handoff capability; use `--inplace-memory 0x98000` when intentionally targeting an older
+  bootloader and the images still fit that window.
+- **nRF52 EndF rescue:** `ota rescue install <base_hash16>` is a pre-provisioned recovery path for an
+  internal-flash nRF52 application that still runs but cannot validate its own EndF identity. It refuses
+  when normal EndF validation succeeds, requires the operator hash to exactly equal the staged delta's
+  `base_hash`, requires the package `target_id` to match and its `hw_id` to pass the normal hardware gate,
+  and retains the normal payload and signature/allowlist gates. Approval only delegates the base decision:
+  OTAFIX independently
+  locates the physical EndF, hashes the running app, and compares that value with the package before its
+  first app write. A physically absent/corrupt EndF or wrong base therefore returns to the unchanged app;
+  it still requires USB recovery if that app does not already contain this command.
+  A chain intended to cross historical firmware must introduce this command in its first bridge and retain
+  it in every later bridge. Manual pulls still use the build-provided target ID when app-side EndF parsing
+  fails, so a rescue-capable bridge can fetch its exact successor before invoking the guarded command. Such
+  a node must acknowledge the condition up front with `ota pull <mid8> flash rescue`; an ordinary flash pull
+  refuses before altering staged data. Firmware that predates both rescue commands still requires USB recovery.
+- **MeshTower V2 SD nRF52:** the application stores a contiguous `/meshcore-ota.mota` on microSD and
+  publishes its raw sector range in a checksummed handoff record outside the MBR partition. The matching
+  bootloader reads the card without mounting FAT, supports either a full image or an in-place delta,
+  verifies the staged/full result hash, and never writes through `0xED000` where InternalFS begins.
+
+The signature proves author authenticity; `approval` proves local owner consent - both required to apply.
+
+> **Bootloader testing note:** always test apply with a *real different* image (base != target). A same-image
+> (X->X) "delta" trivially reproduces the target and gives a false positive.
+
+---
+
+## 13. Versioning of this spec
+
+`format_ver = 2`. A parser accepts exactly this value and rejects anything else - there is one container
+format, fixed-layout, and no compatibility shims to carry. If the format ever needs to change, bump
+`format_ver`; the multihash `hash_algo` separately allows swapping the digest family without a format
+bump. Unknown `codec_id` / `ota_msg_type` values are ignored (a node simply won't fetch what it can't apply).
@@ -0,0 +1,362 @@
+# Updating your node over the air (OTA) - user guide
+
+This guide is for **node operators**: how to update your MeshCore device's firmware over the radio, in
+plain language. No cables, no programmer - your node can download a new firmware from a neighbour and
+install it. (For the technical wire format, see [the OTA protocol spec](ota_protocol.md).)
+
+LoRa OTA download and installation are present only in supported Keymind destination artifacts whose filename
+contains `-ota-`; the receiver must already be running one of those install-capable builds. A source can be an
+OTA-enabled infrastructure node or a source-only Full Companion backed by `motatool`. Intermediate repeaters
+do not need OTA-enabled firmware: current repeater builds transport OTA floods opaquely, subject to their normal
+forwarding filters, duplicate checks, and flood limits. OTA radio traffic is accepted, generated, and relayed
+only while `tempradio` is actually running on that node. Every source, receiver, and intermediate repeater must
+therefore have an overlapping temporary-radio window.
+
+The recommended temporary OTA settings use 250 kHz bandwidth, SF5, CR5, and a 120-minute window. For a
+North American node currently configured for 909.950 MHz, run this on every participating node:
+
+```text
+tempradio 909.950,250,5,5,120
+```
+
+Use the node's current permitted regional frequency in place of `909.950` when necessary.
+
+> **Can my node install the update?** Choose a supported repeater artifact carrying the `-ota-` filename stamp.
+> LoRa OTA firmware is available for supported **ESP32** boards and nRF52 repeater targets. Every nRF52
+> installation also requires the OTAFIX bootloader built for that exact board; having an OTA-capable
+> application image alone is not enough. An intermediate repeater only relays packets and needs neither the
+> `-ota-` image nor OTAFIX. Check the bootloader release for an exact board match before attempting an update.
+
+The following nRF52 repeater targets gained firmware-side LoRa OTA support in this release without losing
+their normal external-sensor support:
+
+- Heltec Mesh Solar, T1, and Tower V2
+- Keepteen LT1, LilyGo T-Impulse Plus, Mesh Pocket, and Nano G2 Ultra
+- Minewsemi ME25LS01, RAK3401, SenseCAP Solar, and Wio WM1110
+
+The full-sensor `RAK_4631_repeater` image is too large for the safe nRF52 in-place update limit. Use
+`RAK_4631_repeater_lora_ota_no_external_sensors` when LoRa OTA is required. That target removes optional
+external environmental/GPS sensor packages, but retains the RAK4631's built-in battery-voltage reading,
+battery telemetry, and `battery.alert` behavior.
+
+---
+
+## The important part first: it's safe
+
+- **Nothing installs by itself.** Your node can *discover* and download an update, but
+  it only **installs** when you say so (unless you deliberately turn on auto-install - see below).
+- **Bad downloads can't sneak in.** Every piece of the firmware is checked against a cryptographic
+  fingerprint as it arrives, and the whole image is verified again before install. A corrupt or tampered
+  download is rejected, not installed.
+- **You choose who to trust.** Updates can be *signed* by their author. You can tell your node to only
+  auto-install firmware signed by keys you've added.
+- **Discovery stays quiet; a transfer is deliberate.** Periodic update discovery uses background priority.
+  Once a download starts, its transfer packets are primary traffic across every relay hop, so use
+  TempRadio as an OTA maintenance window when delaying unrelated mesh traffic would matter.
+- **It can recover.** If an install ever fails, the node falls back to a safe recovery mode (you can
+  re-flash a known-good firmware over USB) - it won't be left bricked.
+
+---
+
+## How to talk to your node
+
+Connect to your node's **console** - usually a USB serial terminal at **115200 baud** (or whatever tool
+you already use to manage the node). You type `ota ...` commands and the node replies in plain words.
+
+The commands have short, friendly names (and most accept aliases, so you don't have to remember exact
+spelling): type **`ota help`** any time to see the list, or just **`ota`** for a status summary.
+
+---
+
+## Common tasks
+
+### 1. See what I'm running and whether anything is going on
+
+```
+ota status
+```
+
+Shows your current firmware version, your node's update "target" (its hardware/role id), and whether a
+download is in progress.
+
+For a denser admin view - your firmware's content id (`mid`) **and** its body hash, the fingerprint of the
+set you're serving, live download progress, and the current policy - use:
+
+```
+ota stats
+```
+
+On a remote node this is **admin-only** (the remote command console requires the admin password) - send it
+from the app's repeater command screen, or the WiFi/serial OTA console.
+
+### 2. Find updates available near me
+
+```
+ota ls
+ota ls 2                 # page 2 when more than two updates are available
+```
+
+Your node asks around and lists the firmware updates other nodes nearby are offering, in plain words -
+each with a temporary **number**, a stable eight-hex **manifest ID**, its version, whether it's a full image
+or a small delta, how many nodes have it, and how recently it was seen. For example:
+
+```
+Updates 1/1 (2 src; refreshing):
+ 1) 838B8169 v1.2.3 delta [same target] 3n 5s
+ 2) BF0AB0C4 v1.2.0 full [unsupported] 1n 12s
+```
+
+Each row shows the version, full-vs-delta, **whether it fits your node**, how many nodes have it, and how
+long ago it was seen. The fit marker:
+
+- **[same target]** - the advertised target ID matches this hardware-and-role build. Download and apply
+  still enforce codec, bootloader, signed hardware tag, base hash, and integrity checks.
+- **[unsupported]** - the target may match, but this build or its bootloader cannot apply that codec. A common
+  example is the source node's self-served **full** image on a single-slot nRF52, which needs an in-place delta.
+- **[rescue]** - an installable in-place nRF52 delta for the same target, but this running firmware has no
+  valid app-side EndF. It requires the explicit rescue download and install flow below.
+- **[name]** - a different known board or role (for example `[ProMicro_companion_radio_usb]`). Don't install it.
+- **[?]** - can't tell (a build with no target id set, e.g. a bare IDE build rather than a release build).
+
+Run it again after a few seconds - discovery happens in the background, so the list fills in. Nothing is
+downloaded yet; this is just looking around. `refreshing` means the command has just sent asynchronous
+catalog queries, so run it again even when an older row is already visible. Two updates fit in each remote
+CLI reply; use `ota ls 2`, `ota ls 3`, and so on for later pages. Catalog rows can change while replies arrive,
+so use the displayed manifest ID for scripts and important operations rather than a numeric position.
+(`ota neighbors` / `ota updates` also work.)
+
+### 3. Download an update
+
+Pick one from the list by its stable **manifest ID** (a number also works for interactive use), and say
+**where** to put it:
+
+```
+ota pull 838B8169 flash            # stage it in this node's flash, to install here
+ota pull 838B8169 folder           # capture it onto a connected motatool folder as <id>.mota
+ota pull 838B8169 folder validate  # warm-start capture from a motatool --seed build (much faster; below)
+```
+
+The destination is required - `ota pull 838B8169` on its own just shows the choices. **`flash`** is always
+available (stage here, then `ota install`). **`folder`** appears only while a `motatool serve` link is
+attached (it shows the link, e.g. `folder: tcp 192.168.4.5`); it streams the firmware straight onto the
+host folder - nothing is staged on this node. That's how you grab an **exact copy of another device's
+firmware** off the mesh (to a `.mota` file) so you can later build a *delta* against firmware you don't
+otherwise have. (`ota get` is an alias.)
+
+**`validate` (warm-start, advanced).** Capturing a full image over the radio is slow. If you have a
+*similar* build on the computer (e.g. a fresh recompile of the same firmware), run motatool with
+`--seed <that.mota>` and add **`validate`**: the node fetches just the target's block fingerprints, keeps
+every block your seed already matches, and pulls over the radio only the handful that actually differ -
+turning a ~30-minute capture into seconds. The result is still a byte-exact, verified copy of the target.
+
+*Where the seed comes from:* it is the **`--seed <file>` you pass to `motatool serve`** - **not** a file you
+drop into the capture (`--dir`) folder, which is only the destination and starts empty. There is exactly one
+configured seed. When you run `... folder validate`, the node asks motatool to begin the capture and motatool
+stamps that seed's payload into the fresh `.part` in the same step - so it is always the file you named, with
+no guessing. **`validate` is the switch:** a plain `folder` pull ignores any seed and fetches from scratch;
+re-running a `validate` pull re-begins fresh (it never resumes a stale partial). Nothing about the seed is
+trusted - every kept block is checked against the target's own fingerprints, so a mismatched or missing seed
+just means those blocks are fetched over the radio (correct result, only slower).
+
+The node fetches from one source as **primary traffic**, with bounded adaptive request flights. Every session
+probes with one 1 KiB block, then clean flights grow `1 -> 2 -> 3 -> 4` blocks on RAK3401 OTA builds. All blocks
+in a flight share one request packet, and the receiver stays silent until the source/relays finish returning
+them. A recovery halves the next flight. Retry timing follows the active SF/BW airtime, duty budget, and path
+length, so faster settings recover sooner without a fixed one-second request colliding with a valid multi-hop
+response. The signed block size itself remains 1 KiB. Mesh repeaters carry the packets only while their
+temporary-radio windows are active.
+Check progress with `ota status`.
+
+If a `folder` pull loses its link mid-transfer, `ota status` shows **paused** - the host keeps the
+partial and the pull resumes (filling only what's missing) the moment you reconnect motatool; it never
+falls back to flash. To **stop** a download you no longer want:
+
+```
+ota cancel
+```
+
+### 4. Install a downloaded update
+
+Once `ota status` shows the download is **ready to install**:
+
+```
+ota install
+```
+
+The node verifies the firmware one last time, and if everything checks out it installs it and **reboots
+into the new version**. If the check fails, it tells you why and does **not** install. (If you haven't
+added the signer's key, an unsigned/untrusted image will only install with this explicit command - never
+automatically.)
+
+After it reboots, run `ota status` to confirm the new version.
+
+### 5. If something goes wrong
+
+- A download that stalls or gets interrupted just **resumes** later, or you can `ota cancel` and try again.
+- An internal-flash **nRF52** that still runs but reports `no EndF` can use the pre-provisioned rescue path
+  if its physical EndF is intact and only app-side validation is failing. Fetch the exact `[rescue]`
+  in-place delta with an explicit acknowledgement, obtain its 16-hex-digit `base_hash` from the package
+  metadata, then run:
+
+  ```text
+  ota pull <mid8> flash rescue
+  # wait for ota status to say ready to install
+  ota rescue install <base_hash16>
+  ```
+
+  This is not a force option. It refuses a normally valid EndF, a different package hash, hardware or
+  target mismatch, corrupt payload, and invalid/untrusted signatures. The bootloader independently hashes
+  the running app and rejects a wrong base before writing the app. If the physical EndF is absent or the
+  rescue commands were not already in the running firmware, recover over USB.
+  Release chains should put this command in their first bridge and keep it in every bridge after that.
+- If an **install** fails, the node won't boot a broken image - it lands in **recovery mode**:
+  - **nRF52:** it appears as a USB drive; drag a known-good firmware `.uf2` for that exact board onto it
+    to recover.
+  - **ESP32:** it keeps the previous firmware in the other slot and rolls back.
+- When in doubt, you can always re-flash over USB the normal way.
+
+---
+
+## Optional: let it update automatically
+
+By default your node only *discovers* updates - it won't download or install on its own. If you want more
+automation (e.g. for a remote node you can't easily reach), you can opt in. These settings are saved.
+
+```
+ota config autofetch any        # auto-DOWNLOAD any compatible update for this node (still won't install)
+ota config autofetch signed     # auto-download only signed updates
+ota config autofetch off        # back to manual (default)
+
+ota config autoinstall trusted  # auto-INSTALL a downloaded update IF it's signed by a key you trust
+ota config autoinstall off      # never auto-install (default)
+
+ota config advert 1440          # re-advertise every N minutes while temp radio is running
+ota config advert 0             # only advertise when a temp-radio window starts
+
+ota config hops 3               # how far OTA travels: accept from / relay up to N repeater hops (default 3)
+ota config hops 0               # only exchange OTA with directly-connected nodes (never relay)
+
+ota config                      # show the current settings
+```
+
+Recommended for most people: leave both **off** and update by hand. Use `autoinstall trusted` only once
+you've added the signer's key (next section) and you trust them to push updates unattended.
+
+The MeshTower V2 SD OTA target has a separate, default-on **archive** policy. It saves all mOTAs it sees
+to the SD card so the repeater can seed them later; this does not install them and does not change the
+install-oriented `autofetch` default above. Use `ota cache` for status and `ota cache off` or
+`ota config cache off` to stop new archive captures. Already cached files remain available to peers.
+Manual `ota pull` commands take priority and an interrupted archive capture resumes later.
+See [Preload many mOTAs from a computer](ota_meshtower_v2_sdcard.md#preload-many-motas-from-a-computer)
+for the required `/mota/<manifest-id>.mota` filenames and the complete TempRadio seeding workflow.
+
+---
+
+## Optional: only trust updates from specific people
+
+If you'll use auto-install, tell your node which signing keys to trust. The firmware author shares their
+**public** key (a hex string); you add it:
+
+```
+ota key add <public-key-hex>    # trust this signer
+ota key list                    # show trusted signers
+ota key rm <public-key-hex>     # stop trusting one
+```
+
+Only updates signed by a trusted key are eligible for auto-install. Manual `ota install` still lets you
+install anything yourself, on your own responsibility.
+
+---
+
+## Sharing updates with others (advanced)
+
+### Relay a folder of firmware from a computer
+
+If your node is connected to a computer (e.g. a gateway on a Raspberry Pi), it can **hand out** a whole
+folder of firmware files to the mesh - without storing them itself. Useful for seeding a new release to a
+remote area.
+
+1. Put the firmware files (`.mota` files - see below) in a folder on the computer.
+2. Install the helper tool once - the standalone `motatool` CLI (<https://github.com/vk496/motatool>) -
+   then point it at your node and the folder - over the node's **USB serial**, or over **WiFi** if it is
+   an ESP32 WiFi companion or FULL ESP32 node:
+   ```
+   git clone https://github.com/vk496/motatool && cargo install --path ./motatool
+   # over USB serial:
+   motatool serve --dir ./my_firmware/ --serial /dev/ttyACM0 -v
+   # ...or over WiFi: the seeder is on dedicated TCP port 5001:
+   motatool serve --dir ./my_firmware/ --tcp 192.168.1.50:5001 -v
+   ```
+   It answers the node's requests; your node then advertises those updates to neighbours, who can
+   `ota get` them like any other. (A WiFi node prints its IP + seeder port to the serial log on connect.
+   Details: <https://github.com/vk496/motatool>.)
+
+Check the device's attach reply or run `ota folder`: `host=X/Y` means the firmware is advertising `X` of
+the `Y` valid entries reported by the host. Serve registries are deliberately RAM-bounded on smaller builds,
+and the node's own firmware also consumes a slot. If `X < Y`, split the chain across seeders/folders or use
+a higher-capacity seeder; `motatool` saying that every file is valid does not mean every file fit on-device.
+
+To stop, just stop the daemon - over WiFi the node auto-detaches when the connection closes; over USB you
+can also run `ota folder off` on the node. `ota folder` on its own lists what your node is offering.
+On a FULL repeater or room server, run `start webconfig` first if WiFi is not
+already active. Other FULL roles with browser OTA support can use the
+`MeshCore-OTA` access point from `start ota` and connect to
+`192.168.4.1:5001`. Every LoRa participant still needs an overlapping
+`tempradio` window.
+
+### Everyone helps share
+
+You don't have to be a gateway to help. Once **any** node finishes downloading an update, it automatically
+offers it to *its* neighbours too. So a new firmware spreads outward node-to-node, instead of everyone
+hammering the one node that had it first. Discovery remains background traffic; an actual transfer is
+primary traffic for the duration of its TempRadio maintenance window.
+
+---
+
+## Where firmware files come from
+
+OTA distributes **`.mota`** files - a packaged, verifiable firmware image (full image or a small "delta"
+that only contains what changed). You get them by:
+
+- **Downloading a build.** This fork publishes a rolling **`dev-latest`** release on GitHub with the
+  current firmware for many boards, each accompanied by a `.full.mota` and a tiny `.delta.mota`. Grab the
+  one for your board to test.
+- **Building your own** with the `mota` packaging tool - see [tools/mota/README.md](https://github.com/mikecarper/MeshCore/blob/keymindCascade/tools/mota/README.md)
+  (this is for people distributing updates, not everyday operators).
+
+---
+
+## Quick reference
+
+| I want to... | Command |
+|---|---|
+| List all commands | `ota help` |
+| See my firmware + any download | `ota status` (or just `ota`) |
+| Admin: ids/hashes + serving + policy | `ota stats` (admin-only remotely) |
+| Find updates nearby | `ota ls` |
+| Download a listed update for installation | `ota get <mid8> flash` |
+| Cancel a download | `ota cancel` |
+| Install a finished download | `ota install` |
+| Recover app-side `no EndF` on internal nRF52 | `ota rescue install <base_hash16>` |
+| Turn on auto-download | `ota config autofetch any` |
+| Turn on auto-install (trusted only) | `ota config autoinstall trusted` |
+| Trust a signer | `ota key add <hex>` |
+| Relay a folder (gateway) | `ota folder on` + the seeder daemon |
+| List what I'm offering | `ota folder` |
+
+(Older names still work too: `neighbors`/`updates` = `ls`, `pull` = `get`, `applydelta`/`apply` = `install`, `drop`/`stop` = `cancel`.)
+
+---
+
+## A few terms
+
+- **Firmware** - the software running your node. Updating it can add features or fix bugs.
+- **`.mota`** - a packaged firmware update file, with built-in integrity checks.
+- **Target** - your node's hardware + role identity. Your node only auto-fetches updates built for the
+  same target, so it won't grab firmware meant for a different board.
+- **Delta** - a small update containing only the changes from your current firmware (faster to send than a
+  full image). Your node rebuilds the complete firmware from it and verifies the result before installing.
+- **Signed** - the update carries the author's cryptographic signature, so you can verify who made it.
+
+For the full technical details (the file format and the radio protocol), see
+[the OTA protocol spec](ota_protocol.md).
@@ -9,7 +9,8 @@ This document describes the MeshCore packet format.

 ## Version 1 Packet Format

-This is the protocol level packet structure used in MeshCore firmware v1.12.0
+This is the current version-1 MeshCore wire packet structure. Older firmware may
+support only a subset of the path encodings and payload types described here.

 ```
 [header][transport_codes(optional)][path_length][path][payload]
@@ -35,7 +36,7 @@ This is the protocol level packet structure used in MeshCore firmware v1.12.0
        - `0x09`/`0b1001` - `PAYLOAD_TYPE_TRACE` - Trace a path, collecting SNR for each hop
        - `0x0A`/`0b1010` - `PAYLOAD_TYPE_MULTIPART` - Packet is part of a sequence of packets
        - `0x0B`/`0b1011` - `PAYLOAD_TYPE_CONTROL` - Control packet data (unencrypted)
-        - `0x0C`/`0b1100` - reserved
+        - `0x0C`/`0b1100` - `PAYLOAD_TYPE_OTA` - OTA-over-LoRa firmware distribution
        - `0x0D`/`0b1101` - reserved
        - `0x0E`/`0b1110` - reserved
        - `0x0F`/`0b1111` - `PAYLOAD_TYPE_RAW_CUSTOM` - Custom packet (raw bytes, custom encryption)
@@ -137,7 +138,7 @@ Examples:
 | `0x09` | `PAYLOAD_TYPE_TRACE`      | Trace a path, collecting SNR for each hop    |
 | `0x0A` | `PAYLOAD_TYPE_MULTIPART`  | Packet is part of a sequence of packets      |
 | `0x0B` | `PAYLOAD_TYPE_CONTROL`    | Control packet data (unencrypted)            |
-| `0x0C` | reserved                  | reserved                                     |
+| `0x0C` | `PAYLOAD_TYPE_OTA`        | OTA-over-LoRa firmware distribution          |
 | `0x0D` | reserved                  | reserved                                     |
 | `0x0E` | reserved                  | reserved                                     |
 | `0x0F` | `PAYLOAD_TYPE_RAW_CUSTOM` | Custom packet (raw bytes, custom encryption) |
@@ -2,20 +2,16 @@

 Inside each [MeshCore Packet](./packet_format.md) is a payload, identified by the payload type in the packet header. The types of payloads are:

-* Node advertisement.
-* Acknowledgment.
-* Returned path.
-* Request (destination/source hashes + MAC).
-* Response to REQ or ANON_REQ.
-* Plain text message.
-* Anonymous request.
-* Group text message (unverified).
-* Group datagram (unverified).
-* Multi-part packet
-* Control data packet
-* Custom packet (raw bytes, custom encryption).
+* Request, response, and plain text (`0x00`-`0x02`).
+* Acknowledgment and node advertisement (`0x03`-`0x04`).
+* Group text and group datagram (`0x05`-`0x06`).
+* Anonymous request and returned path (`0x07`-`0x08`).
+* Trace, multipart, control, and OTA (`0x09`-`0x0C`).
+* Custom raw data (`0x0F`).

-This document defines the structure of each of these payload types.
+This document describes the shared payload envelopes implemented by the core.
+Application-specific request, response, control, and custom bodies can add their
+own formats.

 NOTE: all 16 and 32-bit integer fields are Little Endian.

@@ -23,7 +19,7 @@ NOTE: all 16 and 32-bit integer fields are Little Endian.

 * Node hash: the first byte of the node's public key

-# Node advertisement
+## Node advertisement
 This kind of payload notifies receivers that a node exists, and gives information about the node

 | Field         | Size (bytes)    | Description                                              |
@@ -57,16 +53,24 @@ Appdata Flags
 | `0x40` | has feature 2  | Reserved for future use.              |
 | `0x80` | has name       | appdata contains a node name          |

-# Acknowledgement
+## Acknowledgement

-An acknowledgement that a message was received. Note that for returned path messages, an acknowledgement can be sent in the "extra" payload (see [Returned Path](#returned-path)) instead of as a separate acknowledgement packet. CLI commands do not cause acknowledgement responses, neither discrete nor extra.
+An acknowledgement that a message was received. Note that for returned path messages, an acknowledgement can be sent in the "extra" payload (see [Returned Path](#returned-path)) instead of as a separate acknowledgement packet. Current `CLI_DATA` commands do not cause acknowledgement responses, neither discrete nor extra; their text reply is the application-level result. Repeaters still ACK the legacy plain-text form before processing it.
+
+Repeater remote CLI keeps one volatile copy of the most recently completed
+reply, keyed by the authenticated sender, request timestamp, and command text.
+Repeating that same logical request re-sends the text reply without executing
+the command again. A retry must therefore preserve the original timestamp and
+command text. The cache is cleared by reboot and replaced by the next completed
+remote command; commands that intentionally produce no text reply remain
+silent.

 | Field    | Size (bytes) | Description                                                |
 |----------|--------------|------------------------------------------------------------|
 | checksum | 4            | CRC checksum of message timestamp, text, and sender pubkey |


-# Returned path, request, response, and plain text message
+## Returned path, request, response, and plain text message

 Returned path, request, response, and plain text messages are all formatted in the same way. See the subsection for more details about the ciphertext's associated plaintext representation.

@@ -77,18 +81,18 @@ Returned path, request, response, and plain text messages are all formatted in t
 | cipher MAC       | 2               | MAC for encrypted data in next field                 |
 | ciphertext       | rest of payload | encrypted message, see subsections below for details |

-## Returned path
+### Returned path

 Returned path messages provide a description of the route a packet took from the original author. Receivers will send returned path messages to the author of the original message.

 | Field       | Size (bytes) | Description                                                                                                          |
 |-------------|--------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
-| path length | 1            | length of next field                                                                                                 |
-| path        | see above    | a list of node hashes (one byte each)                                                                                |
-| extra type  | 1            | extra, bundled payload type, eg., acknowledgement or response. Same values as in [Packet Format](./packet_format.md) |
+| path descriptor | 1        | low 6 bits are the hash count; high 2 bits encode hash size minus one                                                |
+| path        | count × size | encoded node-hash prefixes, each 1-3 bytes; the four-byte code is reserved                                           |
+| extra type  | 1            | low nibble is the bundled payload type, such as acknowledgment or response; high nibble is reserved                 |
 | extra       | rest of data | extra, bundled payload content, follows same format as main content defined by this document                         |

-## Request
+### Request

 | Field        | Size (bytes)    | Description                              |
 |--------------|-----------------|------------------------------------------|
@@ -102,7 +106,7 @@ For the common chat/server helpers in `BaseChatMesh`, the current request type v
 | `0x01` | get stats | get stats of repeater or room server               |
 | `0x02` | keepalive | keep-alive request used for maintained connections |

-### Get stats
+#### Get stats

 Gets information about the node, possibly including the following:

@@ -125,32 +129,32 @@ Gets information about the node, possibly including the following:
 * Number posted (?)
 * Number of post pushes (?)

-### Get telemetry data
+#### Get telemetry data

 Not defined in `BaseChatMesh`. Sensor- and application-specific request payloads may be implemented by higher-level firmware.

-### Get Telemetry
+#### Get Telemetry

 Not defined in `BaseChatMesh`.

-### Get Min/Max/Ave  (Sensor nodes)
+#### Get Min/Max/Ave  (Sensor nodes)

 Not defined in `BaseChatMesh`.

-### Get Access List
+#### Get Access List

 Not defined in `BaseChatMesh`.

-### Get Neighbors
+#### Get Neighbors

 Not defined in `BaseChatMesh`.

-### Get Owner Info
+#### Get Owner Info

 Not defined in `BaseChatMesh`.


-## Response
+### Response

 | Field   | Size (bytes)    | Description                       |
 |---------|-----------------|-----------------------------------|
@@ -158,7 +162,7 @@ Not defined in `BaseChatMesh`.

 Response contents are opaque application data. There is no single generic response envelope beyond the encrypted payload wrapper shown above.

-## Plain text message
+### Plain text message

 | Field              | Size (bytes)    | Description                                                                       |
 |--------------------|-----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
@@ -174,7 +178,14 @@ txt_type
 | `0x01` | CLI command               | the command text of the message                                          |
 | `0x02` | signed plain text message | first four bytes is sender pubkey prefix, followed by plain text message |

-# Anonymous request
+For a room post, companion firmware uses its own monotonic clock for the
+on-air timestamp and preserves that timestamp across application retries. Room
+servers track post timestamps separately from login, request, and CLI traffic.
+They also remember recent accepted posts by sender, timestamp, and text: an
+exact retry is ACKed again without storing a duplicate, while stale or
+same-timestamp mismatches are rejected.
+
+## Anonymous request

 | Field            | Size (bytes)    | Description                               |
 |------------------|-----------------|-------------------------------------------|
@@ -183,7 +194,7 @@ txt_type
 | cipher MAC       | 2               | MAC for encrypted data in next field      |
 | ciphertext       | rest of payload | encrypted message, see below for details  |

-## Room server login
+### Room server login

 | Field          | Size (bytes)    | Description                                                                   |
 |----------------|-----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
@@ -191,14 +202,14 @@ txt_type
 | sync timestamp | 4               | sender's "sync messages SINCE x" timestamp                                    |
 | password       | rest of message | password for room                                                             |

-## Repeater/Sensor login
+### Repeater/Sensor login

 | Field          | Size (bytes)    | Description                                                                   |
 |----------------|-----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
 | timestamp      | 4               | sender time (unix timestamp)                                                  |
 | password       | rest of message | password for repeater/sensor                                                  |

-## Repeater - Regions request
+### Repeater - Regions request

 | Field          | Size (bytes) | Description                  |
 |----------------|--------------|------------------------------|
@@ -207,7 +218,7 @@ txt_type
 | reply path len | 1            | path len for reply           |
 | reply path     | (variable)   | reply path                   |

-## Repeater - Owner info request
+### Repeater - Owner info request

 | Field          | Size (bytes) | Description                  |
 |----------------|--------------|------------------------------|
@@ -216,7 +227,7 @@ txt_type
 | reply path len | 1            | path len for reply           |
 | reply path     | (variable)   | reply path                   |

-## Repeater - Clock and status request
+### Repeater - Clock and status request

 | Field          | Size (bytes) | Description                  |
 |----------------|--------------|------------------------------|
@@ -226,7 +237,7 @@ txt_type
 | reply path     | (variable)   | reply path                   |


-# Group text message
+## Group text message

 | Field        | Size (bytes)    | Description                                  |
 |--------------|-----------------|----------------------------------------------|
@@ -236,7 +247,10 @@ txt_type

 The plaintext contained in the ciphertext matches the format described in [plain text message](#plain-text-message). Specifically, it consists of a four byte timestamp, a flags byte, and the message. The flags byte will generally be `0x00` because it is a "plain text message". The message will be of the form `<sender name>: <message body>` (eg., `user123: I'm on my way`).

-# Group datagram
+The sender name is unverified message text. Group messages contain no sender
+signature, so any channel-key holder can choose any sender name.
+
+## Group datagram

 | Field        | Size (bytes)    | Description                                  |
 |--------------|-----------------|----------------------------------------------|
@@ -253,14 +267,14 @@ The data contained in the ciphertext uses the format below:
 | data      | rest of payload | (depends on data type)                                   |


-# Control data
+## Control data

 | Field        | Size (bytes)    | Description                                |
 |--------------|-----------------|--------------------------------------------|
 | flags        | 1               | upper 4 bits is sub_type                   |
 | data         | rest of payload | typically unencrypted data                 |

-## DISCOVER_REQ (sub_type)
+### DISCOVER_REQ (sub_type)

 | Field        | Size (bytes)    | Description                                  |
 |--------------|-----------------|----------------------------------------------|
@@ -269,7 +283,7 @@ The data contained in the ciphertext uses the format below:
 | tag          | 4               | randomly generate by sender                  |
 | since        | 4               | (optional) epoch timestamp (0 by default)    |

-## DISCOVER_RESP (sub_type)
+### DISCOVER_RESP (sub_type)

 | Field        | Size (bytes)    | Description                                |
 |--------------|-----------------|--------------------------------------------|
@@ -279,6 +293,45 @@ The data contained in the ciphertext uses the format below:
 | pubkey       | 8 or 32         | node's ID (or prefix)                      |


-# Custom packet
+## Trace
+
+Trace packets use direct routing. Their normal direct-path header is empty;
+instead, the intended route follows a fixed nine-byte trace header in the
+payload. Each forwarding node appends its received SNR multiplied by four to
+the packet's route-accumulator field.
+
+| Field       | Size (bytes) | Description |
+|-------------|--------------|-------------|
+| tag         | 4            | Sender-selected trace identifier. |
+| auth code   | 4            | Application-defined authentication/correlation value. |
+| flags       | 1            | Low two bits encode the route hash size. Current senders use the legacy `1 << value` interpretation (1, 2, 4, or 8 bytes); receivers also accept the packed 1-4-byte interpretation where it is unambiguous. |
+| route       | rest         | Concatenated node-hash prefixes for the requested direct route. |
+
+At the destination, the application receives the tag, auth code, flags,
+accumulated SNR bytes, and original route bytes. Trace therefore differs from a
+normal direct packet whose path is carried entirely in the packet route field.
+
+## Multipart
+
+The first payload byte identifies the inner payload and how many packets remain:
+
+| Field | Size (bytes) | Description |
+|---|---|---|
+| remaining + type | 1 | Upper nibble is the remaining-packet count; lower nibble is the inner payload type. |
+| inner data | rest | Data for the inner payload type. |
+
+The core currently creates and consumes multipart acknowledgments. For that
+form, the low nibble is `0x03` and the next four bytes are the acknowledgment
+CRC. Other multipart inner types are reserved for application or future use.
+
+## OTA
+
+An OTA payload contains one OTA protocol message and is normally sent by flood.
+Its message types, integrity fields, and transfer state are defined in the
+[OTA-over-LoRa protocol](ota_protocol.md). Builds without OTA support can still
+relay an opaque OTA packet when their routing policy permits it.
+
+
+## Custom packet

 Custom packets have no defined format.
@@ -12,8 +12,10 @@ meshcore://channel/add?name=Public&secret=8b3387e9c5cdea6ac9e5edbaa115cd72

 **Parameters**:

- `name`: Channel name (URL-encoded if needed)
+- `name`: Channel name (URL-encoded)
 - `secret`: 16-byte secret represented as 32 hex characters
+- `region_scope`: Region Scope (optional, URL-encoded if provided)
+    - Supported by MeshCore App v1.47.0+

 ## Add Contact

@@ -0,0 +1,377 @@
+# RAK3401 1W repeater compact LoRa update chain
+
+> Status: physically qualified on 19-Aug-2026. All nine exact transitions
+> completed on a deployed RAK3401 1W with its existing bootloader, using a
+> Heltec V4 source at 909.950 MHz / 500 kHz / SF5 / CR5. Every post-boot EndF
+> hash matched. The same files also pass independent reconstruction, container
+> verification, and both deployed Preview 6 and current OTAFIX simulators.
+
+Use this asset:
+
+```text
+RAK3401-update-chain-v1.16.7-c1caa5ad-to-v1.17.1.02-e742333a.zip
+```
+
+- ZIP SHA-256: `9f80eef191b88833bf4d2e4fea559cf5233ca53f9266ba310d447f37fa445f3a`
+- inner `SHA256SUMS.txt` SHA-256: `73d96e23237896a3e342fe736be12d94087a813bf09ad609fb55330bbe586055`
+- endpoint image SHA-256: `2784e4b645bc3dc198de0b8b18d3d7369cd02eca61cd71c46a51b61854da5345`
+- endpoint EndF body hash: `4BB1526BF647547D`
+
+Until that asset is uploaded to the release tag pinned by the runner, pass its
+local path with `--bundle`.
+
+## Exact destination
+
+This chain is intentionally specific to one firmware lineage and hardware
+target:
+
+- target ID: `2FA509C1`
+- hardware: `RAK_3401`
+- role: `RAK_3401_repeater_lora_ota_no_external_sensors`
+- start: `v1.16.7.0-c1caa5ad`, EndF `71F4026CBE4B8B74`
+- endpoint source: MeshCore `e742333a0ee393b0d55d2414f25b28f2f67e1ea1`
+- endpoint label: `v1.17.1.02-halo-keymind-cascade-dev-e742333a`
+- endpoint packed version: `0x01110102` (EndF tools render this as `1.17.1.2`)
+- deployment target key: `63d8df6387eaffd2e25db7d2a8ad967a65202182a48d681d7e7a9260f917280d`
+
+Do not use the chain on another target ID, hardware family, starting image, or
+firmware body hash. The runner checks all four.
+
+## Why the old bootloader works
+
+The deployed bootloader is not changed and no package uses the newer expanded
+`0xED000` ceiling. Each package remains bottom-aligned below the old
+bootloader's `0xD4000` scan ceiling. Its detools workspace is page-aligned and
+must satisfy:
+
+```text
+0x26000 + inplace_memory <= staged_package_start < 0xD4000
+```
+
+The old bootloader already reads and validates that encoded detools geometry
+before its first destructive write. The previous application receiver was the
+limiting part: it reserved a fixed `0x98000` workspace before accepting a
+download. Step 1 therefore remains byte-for-byte identical to the physically
+passed 89,844-byte package. Step 2 is a 46,363-byte fixed-workspace package
+that installs the compatibility receiver. Later receivers stage above the
+real EndF image extent and let the bootloader enforce each package's selected
+workspace.
+
+An exhaustive search tested every page-aligned workspace relevant to a route
+shorter than nine packages: 9,430 candidate geometries across 272 possible
+layer-skipping edges. None fit. The 61 edges on the shortest-path graph were
+then swept across another 2,296 workspace choices; 840 nine-package routes
+were compared by total transfer size. The selected route is the byte-minimum
+shortest route:
+
+| Step | From | To | Workspace | Package | Margin |
+|---:|---|---|---:|---:|---:|
+| 1 | 1.16.7.0 | 1.16.7.9 | `0x98000` | 89,844 | 0 |
+| 2 | 1.16.7.9 | 1.16.7.10 | `0x98000` | 46,363 | 40,960 |
+| 3 | 1.16.7.10 | 1.16.8.7 | `0x91000` | 106,030 | 12,288 |
+| 4 | 1.16.8.7 | 1.16.9.105 | `0x89000` | 149,927 | 0 |
+| 5 | 1.16.9.105 | 1.16.9.110 | `0x8E000` | 111,307 | 16,384 |
+| 6 | 1.16.9.110 | 1.16.9.111 | `0x8D000` | 70,679 | 61,440 |
+| 7 | 1.16.9.111 | 1.16.9.116 | `0x89000` | 143,441 | 4,096 |
+| 8 | 1.16.9.116 | 1.16.9.118 | `0x81000` | 98,188 | 86,016 |
+| 9 | 1.16.9.118 | 1.17.1.02 | `0x7D000` | 186,385 | 12,288 |
+
+Total mOTA transfer data is 1,002,164 bytes. `ROUTE.json`, `CHAIN.csv`, and
+`validation-results.json` in the bundle pin the exact geometry and image hash
+for every transition.
+
+## Host requirements
+
+Install Python 3.9 or newer, `meshcli` 1.6.0 or newer, the current `motatool`,
+and an OTA-enabled Full Companion or repeater that can seed mOTA files.
+
+## Verify offline
+
+No password or device is needed:
+
+```bash
+python3 tools/lora_ota/rak3401_mota_chain.py \
+  --bundle /path/to/RAK3401-update-chain-v1.16.7-c1caa5ad-to-v1.17.1.02-e742333a.zip \
+  --work-dir ./rak3401-mota-chain-work \
+  --motatool /path/to/motatool \
+  --verify-only
+```
+
+The runner checks the outer ZIP, complete inner checksum coverage, all nine
+manifests, continuity, image anchors, final recovery image, and every container
+with `motatool`.
+
+## Direct recoverable bench run
+
+Restore the test start locally with
+`recovery/test-start/RAK3401-test-start-v1.16.7-c1caa5ad.uf2`, then run:
+
+```bash
+export MESHCORE_ADMIN_PASSWORD='password'
+
+python3 tools/lora_ota/rak3401_mota_chain.py \
+  --bundle /path/to/RAK3401-update-chain-v1.16.7-c1caa5ad-to-v1.17.1.02-e742333a.zip \
+  --work-dir ./rak3401-mota-chain-work \
+  --controller-serial /dev/ttyACM0 \
+  --source-tcp 192.168.1.51:5001 \
+  --source-cli-tcp 192.168.1.51:5002 \
+  --source-shares-controller \
+  --target-key 63d8df63 \
+  --temp-radio 909.950,500,5,5,120 \
+  --ota-hops 0 \
+  --legacy-full-airtime \
+  --motatool /path/to/motatool \
+  --yes
+```
+
+Keep the work directory. Rerunning the same command resumes only when the live
+EndF body hash matches an exact chain node. Never manually skip a package.
+`--legacy-full-airtime` temporarily sets the destination airtime factor to
+zero and restores it at the endpoint. Use that option only where the selected
+frequency and local duty-cycle rules permit a full transmit budget; omit it
+otherwise.
+
+## Manual operation
+
+The pinned runner is the safer method. If it cannot be used, follow every
+check below and keep a written copy of each original setting. Do not skip a
+step even when a later package appears in `ota ls`.
+
+### 1. Verify and extract the asset
+
+```bash
+sha256sum RAK3401-update-chain-v1.16.7-c1caa5ad-to-v1.17.1.02-e742333a.zip
+unzip RAK3401-update-chain-v1.16.7-c1caa5ad-to-v1.17.1.02-e742333a.zip
+cd RAK3401-update-chain-v1.16.7-c1caa5ad-to-v1.17.1.02-e742333a
+sha256sum -c SHA256SUMS.txt
+for package in motas/*.mota; do motatool verify "$package" || exit 1; done
+```
+
+The outer hash must be `9f80eef191b88833bf4d2e4fea559cf5233ca53f9266ba310d447f37fa445f3a`.
+Do not continue after any checksum or verification error.
+
+### 2. Record and prepare the destination
+
+Before changing anything, save the complete replies from:
+
+```text
+ver
+ota self
+get bootloader.ver
+get system.watchdog
+get radio.rxps
+powersaving
+get rxdelay
+get af
+ota config
+```
+
+The starting `ota self` hash must be `71F4026CBE4B8B74`, the target must be
+`2FA509C1`, and the hardware must be `RAK_3401`. Disable the nRF52 system
+watchdog before the chain:
+
+```text
+set system.watchdog off
+```
+
+The hardware watchdog cannot stop immediately. The RAK will reset once within
+about 60 seconds. Reconnect, wait at least 90 seconds from the command, and
+require `get system.watchdog` to report `> off` before continuing.
+
+For a direct bench link, apply these temporary transfer guardrails to the RAK
+after every bridge reboot:
+
+```text
+powersaving off
+set radio.rxps off
+set rxdelay 0
+ota config hops 0
+tempradio 909.950,500,5,5,120
+```
+
+Where local duty-cycle rules permit it, `set af 0` can also remove the legacy
+firmware's saved airtime wait during this bounded maintenance window. Record
+`get af` first and restore that exact value after the final step. Current
+firmware grants the bounded TempRadio transfer budget without overwriting the
+saved airtime factor.
+
+`powersaving off` is an isolation guardrail, not the fix for the observed
+failure. The actual source failure was an oversized USB CDC reply; current
+firmware splits those reads. Some historical bridge builds may report RXPS as
+unsupported while already operating continuously. Verify the reported state
+and do not substitute a normal reboot for the one-time watchdog reset. Direct
+tests use `hops 0`: `hops 1` makes the target echo each source response despite
+there being no intermediate relay, increasing half-duplex loss and legacy
+three-second retries.
+
+Put the source on the identical TempRadio tuple. If it is a binary-mode Full
+Companion, the current `motatool` can switch modes for the serving session:
+
+```bash
+motatool serve \
+  --dir ./motas \
+  --serial /dev/ttyACM1 \
+  --baud 115200 \
+  --companion-terminal \
+  -v
+```
+
+Omit `--companion-terminal` for an ordinary text-console OTA source. Restart
+`motatool` for every step so the source emits a fresh catalog advert. Leave it
+running during the download and stop it with Ctrl-C only after the destination
+reports `ready to install`.
+
+### 3. Install all nine packages in order
+
+| Step | Manifest ID | Before hash | Expected version | After hash |
+|---:|---|---|---|---|
+| 1 | `C147BCEF` | `71F4026CBE4B8B74` | `1.16.7.9` | `42BC53A64288E845` |
+| 2 | `C510B628` | `42BC53A64288E845` | `1.16.7.10` | `6F6E51D63BF3E93F` |
+| 3 | `8CAD7045` | `6F6E51D63BF3E93F` | `1.16.8.7` | `F04DA8DB515E5C6D` |
+| 4 | `8B1EEFF6` | `F04DA8DB515E5C6D` | `1.16.9.105` | `3894A4D7B11ED282` |
+| 5 | `687E3BEA` | `3894A4D7B11ED282` | `1.16.9.110` | `CDC5CA630881DA15` |
+| 6 | `0D59A34B` | `CDC5CA630881DA15` | `1.16.9.111` | `D0CC4A9E135B9A4D` |
+| 7 | `2C5C2082` | `D0CC4A9E135B9A4D` | `1.16.9.116` | `66272A0E7FEF2773` |
+| 8 | `994AB743` | `66272A0E7FEF2773` | `1.16.9.118` | `8E00019AA08E00BF` |
+| 9 | `FE986948` | `8E00019AA08E00BF` | `1.17.1.02` | `4BB1526BF647547D` |
+
+For each row, first prove that `ota self` exactly matches its **Before hash**.
+Then run:
+
+```text
+ota cancel
+ota ls
+ota pull MANIFEST_ID flash
+ota status
+```
+
+Repeat `ota status` at a restrained interval until it says `ready to install`.
+If the manifest is initially absent, wait for a fresh source advert, run
+`ota ls` again, or restart `motatool`; do not pull a different ID. Stop the
+seeder and install:
+
+```text
+get system.watchdog
+ota install
+```
+
+The watchdog reply must still be `> off`. Allow up to 90 seconds for the USB
+port to disappear and return. Then run `ver`, `ota self`, and `ota help`.
+Require the row's exact **After hash**, require `bootloader: apply OK`, and
+require `rescue install <hash16>` in the help before exposing that bridge to
+the next package. Clear only the now-proven retained download with `ota cancel`,
+reapply the transfer guardrails and TempRadio tuple, restart `motatool`, and
+continue with the next row.
+
+If the board boots but `ota self` says the EndF is invalid, stop. Only when
+`ota status` still identifies that row's complete staged package may the
+guarded `ota rescue install BEFORE_HASH` command be used. It is not a force
+option and must use that row's exact Before hash. If the board does not boot,
+recover the documented start/recovery UF2 locally over USB.
+
+### 4. Intermediate relays and restoration
+
+On every managed intermediate relay, save `get rxdelay` and `get txdelay`, then
+use the airtime-scaled collision window during the maintenance session:
+
+```text
+set rxdelay 0
+set txdelay 0.3
+```
+
+Current OTA transfer packets honor that configured relay `txdelay`; setting
+`0.3` gives competing relays a small randomized, airtime-scaled forwarding
+window. The source's manifest-fragment gap independently follows active packet
+airtime and duty spacing, clamped to 100-1000 ms. These two delays solve
+different problems.
+
+After step 9 is proven, restore each saved destination and relay value exactly,
+including `rxdelay`, RXPS, CPU power saving, `af`, `ota config hops`, and relay
+timing. Current full-parser repeater firmware accepts `normalradio` and restores
+the saved tuple after replying on the temporary channel:
+
+```text
+normalradio
+```
+
+The historical endpoint in this pinned bundle predates that command. If it
+replies `Unknown command`, shorten its lease to one minute with the same tuple:
+
+```text
+tempradio 909.950,500,5,5,1
+```
+
+Wait for the lease to expire, return the controller and ordinary source to
+their saved normal channels, and then re-enable the RAK system watchdog:
+
+```text
+set system.watchdog on
+get system.watchdog
+```
+
+A Full Companion source is the exception: its local TCP console supports
+`normalradio` and the automated runner uses it before restoring the shared
+Binary API radio tuple.
+
+Final success requires version `v1.17.1.02-halo-keymind-cascade-dev-e742333a`,
+body hash `4BB1526BF647547D`, target `2FA509C1`, hardware `RAK_3401`, and
+`get system.watchdog` reporting `> on`. If a relay cannot be restored before
+its TempRadio lease ends, wait for it to return to the normal channel and
+restore its saved `rxdelay` and `txdelay` there.
+
+## Two-relay deployment
+
+For two intermediate relays, list them farthest-to-nearest and use three OTA
+hops. Run a non-mutating preflight first:
+
+```bash
+python3 tools/lora_ota/rak3401_mota_chain.py \
+  --bundle /path/to/RAK3401-update-chain-v1.16.7-c1caa5ad-to-v1.17.1.02-e742333a.zip \
+  --work-dir ./rak3401-mota-chain-work \
+  --controller-serial /dev/ttyACM0 \
+  --source-tcp SOURCE_IP:5001 \
+  --source-cli-tcp SOURCE_IP:5002 \
+  --source-shares-controller \
+  --target-key 63d8df63 \
+  --relay 'Far Repeater' \
+  --relay 'Near Repeater' \
+  --temp-radio 909.950,250,5,5,120 \
+  --ota-hops 3 \
+  --motatool /path/to/motatool \
+  --preflight-only
+```
+
+After preflight succeeds, rerun with `--yes` in place of
+`--preflight-only`. Confirm that the selected frequency and bandwidth are
+legal at the deployment location.
+
+## Rescue and completion
+
+The guarded `ota rescue install <base_body_hash>` command is present after
+step 1. It is not a force command: it refuses a valid normal EndF, a base
+mismatch, wrong target/hardware, or invalid payload. A failure before step 1
+completes still requires local USB recovery because the deployed start image
+predates the rescue command.
+
+Before the first mutation, the runner saves the destination's RXPS periods,
+CPU power-saving state, RX flood delay, airtime factor, and OTA hop reach in
+the persistent work directory. It verifies `radio.rxps off`, `powersaving off`,
+and `rxdelay 0` after every bridge reboot, plus `af 0` when
+`--legacy-full-airtime` was explicitly selected. It restores every original
+value only after the exact endpoint is proven. An interrupted run deliberately
+leaves those transfer guardrails active; rerun the same command with the same
+work directory to resume and restore them.
+CPU power saving was not the cause of the observed folder-source failure: that
+was a USB CDC receive-ring overrun fixed by bounded serial reads. The runtime
+settings remain conservative isolation and fast-link reliability guardrails.
+
+For every named `--relay`, the per-step runner also captures `rxdelay` and
+`txdelay`, writes them to `relay-timing-settings.json`, applies `rxdelay 0` and
+`txdelay 0.3` during transfer, verifies the readback, and restores both before
+the relay leaves TempRadio.
+
+The runner also keeps the watchdog off across the chain, rechecks identity and
+OTA reach before every package, requires the exact post-boot EndF hash, and
+only re-enables the watchdog after step 9. Success requires endpoint body hash
+`4BB1526BF647547D`, target `2FA509C1`, hardware `RAK_3401`, normal radio
+`910.525 MHz / 62.5 kHz / SF7 / CR5`, and the watchdog verified on.