diff --git a/gauge_vid6008.py b/gauge_vid6008.py
index 47bd14f..9172682 100644
--- a/gauge_vid6008.py
+++ b/gauge_vid6008.py
@@ -61,6 +61,7 @@ class Gauge:
             self._pin_step = Pin(pins[1], Pin.OUT)
             self._total_steps = _TOTAL_STEPS
             self._phase = 0
+            self._last_dir = None  # track last direction to avoid redundant writes
 
         elif mode == "4phase":
             if len(pins) != 4:
@@ -135,8 +136,10 @@ class Gauge:
 
     def step(self, direction):
         if self._mode == "stepdir":
-            self._pin_dir.value(1 if direction > 0 else 0)
-            utime.sleep_us(10)
+            if direction != self._last_dir:
+                self._pin_dir.value(1 if direction > 0 else 0)
+                self._last_dir = direction
+                utime.sleep_us(10)
             self._pulse_step(self._step_us)
             self._current_step += direction
         else:
diff --git a/gaugemqttcontinuous.py b/gaugemqttcontinuous.py
index 6220e14..97dc798 100644
--- a/gaugemqttcontinuous.py
+++ b/gaugemqttcontinuous.py
@@ -43,7 +43,8 @@ def log(level, msg):
 
 
 def info(msg):
-    log("INFO", msg)
+    if _cfg.get("debug", False):
+        log("INFO", msg)
 
 
 def warn(msg):