Reverted a lot of cruft

CLAUDE.md

@@ -4,37 +4,47 @@ This file provides guidance to Claude Code (claude.ai/code) when working with co
 
 ## Build & Upload
 
-This is a single-file Arduino sketch (`Gaugecontroller.ino`). Requires the **FastLED** library (`arduino-cli lib install FastLED`). Use the Arduino IDE or `arduino-cli`:
+Main firmware lives in `Gaugecontroller/Gaugecontroller.ino`. Requires the **FastLED** library (`arduino-cli lib install FastLED`). Use the Arduino IDE or `arduino-cli`:
 
 ```bash
 # Compile (replace board/port as needed)
-arduino-cli compile --fqbn arduino:avr:mega Gaugecontroller.ino
+arduino-cli compile --fqbn arduino:avr:mega Gaugecontroller
 
 # Upload
-arduino-cli upload -p /dev/ttyACM0 --fqbn arduino:avr:mega Gaugecontroller.ino
+arduino-cli upload -p /dev/ttyACM0 --fqbn arduino:avr:mega Gaugecontroller
 ```
 
-Serial monitor: 115200 baud (`Serial` is both CMD_PORT and DEBUG_PORT).
+Current default serial setup: `CMD_PORT` and `DEBUG_PORT` both point to `Serial1` at 38400 baud.
 
 ## Switching serial ports (debug → production)
 
 Two `#define`s at the top of `Gaugecontroller.ino` control where commands and debug output go:
 
 ```cpp
-#define CMD_PORT   Serial   // command channel (host sends SET, HOME, etc.)
+#define CMD_PORT   Serial1  // command channel (host sends SET, HOME, etc.)
-#define DEBUG_PORT Serial   // diagnostic prints (homing, boot messages)
+#define DEBUG_PORT Serial1  // diagnostic prints (homing, boot messages)
 ```
 
-**Debug / USB-only (default):** both point to `Serial` (the USB-CDC port). Connect via `minicom` or the Arduino IDE serial monitor at 115200 baud.
+**Current default:** both point to `Serial1`, so command and debug traffic share Mega pins TX1=18 / RX1=19 at 38400 baud.
 
-**Production (hardware UART):** change `CMD_PORT` to a hardware serial port so a host MCU or Raspberry Pi can drive it without occupying the USB port:
+**USB-only debug setup:** point both defines back at `Serial` if you want to talk to the sketch over the Arduino USB port instead:
 
 ```cpp
-#define CMD_PORT   Serial1  // TX1=pin18, RX1=pin19
+#define CMD_PORT   Serial
-#define DEBUG_PORT Serial   // keep USB for monitoring, or silence it (see below)
+#define DEBUG_PORT Serial
 ```
 
-Arduino Mega hardware UARTs:
+At that point the matching `begin()` call in `setup()` also needs to use the same baud rate you expect on the host side.
+
+**Split command/debug ports:** if `CMD_PORT` and `DEBUG_PORT` do not point to the same serial port, `setup()` must initialise both. Right now it only calls:
+
+```cpp
+DEBUG_PORT.begin(38400);
+```
+
+If you split them, add a second `CMD_PORT.begin(...)` call.
+
+Arduino Mega hardware UARTs for reference:
 
 | Port    | TX pin | RX pin |
 |---------|--------|--------|
@@ -42,14 +52,6 @@ Arduino Mega hardware UARTs:
 | Serial2 | 16     | 17     |
 | Serial3 | 14     | 15     |
 
-`setup()` calls `DEBUG_PORT.begin(115200)` only. If `CMD_PORT` differs from `DEBUG_PORT` you must also begin it — add a second `begin` call in `setup()`:
-
-```cpp
-CMD_PORT.begin(115200);
-```
-
-**Silencing debug output entirely:** point `DEBUG_PORT` at a null stream, or wrap all `DEBUG_PORT` calls in an `#ifdef DEBUG` guard. The simplest option is to replace the define with a no-op object, but the easiest production approach is just to leave `DEBUG_PORT Serial` and ignore the USB output.
-
 ## Architecture
 
 The sketch controls `GAUGE_COUNT` stepper-motor gauges using a trapezoidal velocity profile and a simple text serial protocol.
@@ -74,7 +76,7 @@ When `sweepEnabled`, `updateSweepTarget` bounces `targetPos` between `minPos` an
 
 ### LED strip
 
-One shared WS2812B strip is driven from `LED_DATA_PIN` (default 6). Each gauge owns a contiguous segment of the strip; `gaugePins[i].ledCount` sets the segment length (0 = no LEDs). `TOTAL_LEDS` is computed at compile time via `constexpr sumLedCounts()` — no manual constant to keep in sync. Per-gauge offsets into the flat `leds[]` array are computed once in `setup()` into `gaugeLedOffset[]`. `FastLED.show()` is called immediately after each `LED` command.
+One shared WS2812B strip is driven from `LED_DATA_PIN` (currently 22). Each gauge owns a contiguous segment of the strip; `gaugePins[i].ledCount` sets the segment length (0 = no LEDs). `TOTAL_LEDS` is computed at compile time via `constexpr sumLedCounts()` — no manual constant to keep in sync. Per-gauge offsets into the flat `leds[]` array are computed once in `setup()` into `gaugeLedOffset[]`. LED commands and effects mark the strip dirty, and `FastLED.show()` is called once per main-loop iteration if anything changed.
 
 ### Serial command protocol
 

Gaugecontroller/Gaugecontroller.ino

@@ -1,32 +1,239 @@
 #include <Arduino.h>
+#include <ctype.h>
 #include <math.h>
 #include <FastLED.h>
 
-static const uint8_t GAUGE_COUNT = 2;
+static const uint8_t GAUGE_COUNT = 3;
 
-// LED strip — one shared WS2812B strip, segmented per gauge.
+// One shared WS2812B strip, split into per-gauge segments.
-// Set LED_DATA_PIN to the digital pin driving the strip data line.
-// TOTAL_LEDS is computed automatically from gaugePins[].ledCount.
 static const uint8_t LED_DATA_PIN = 22;
 
-// For now: commands come over USB serial
+// For now, command and debug traffic share the same serial port.
 #define CMD_PORT Serial1
 #define DEBUG_PORT Serial1
+static const unsigned long SERIAL_BAUD = 38400;
+
+namespace vfd {
+
+constexpr uint8_t kDataPin = 46;
+constexpr uint8_t kClockPin = 47;
+constexpr uint8_t kLatchPin = 48;
+constexpr int8_t kBlankPin = 49;   // Set to -1 if BL/OE is not connected
+constexpr bool kBlankActiveHigh = true;
+
+constexpr unsigned long kDigitHoldMicros = 2000;
+constexpr uint8_t kDigitCount = 4;
+constexpr uint8_t kSegmentCount = 7;
+constexpr uint8_t kDriverBits = 20;
+
+constexpr uint8_t kSegmentStartBit = 0;    // HVOut1 -> bit 0
+constexpr uint8_t kPointSegmentBit = 7;    // HVOut8 -> bit 7
+constexpr uint8_t kBellSegmentBit = 8;     // HVOut9 -> bit 8
+constexpr uint8_t kGridStartBit = 9;       // HVOut10 -> bit 9
+constexpr uint8_t kIndicatorGridBit = 13;  // HVOut14 -> bit 13
+
+char displayBuffer[kDigitCount] = {' ', ' ', ' ', ' '};
+bool pointEnabled = false;
+bool bellEnabled = false;
+uint8_t currentPhase = 0;
+
+uint8_t encodeCharacter(char c) {
+  switch (c) {
+    case '0': return 0b0111111;
+    case '1': return 0b0000110;
+    case '2': return 0b1011011;
+    case '3': return 0b1001111;
+    case '4': return 0b1100110;
+    case '5': return 0b1101101;
+    case '6': return 0b1111101;
+    case '7': return 0b0000111;
+    case '8': return 0b1111111;
+    case '9': return 0b1101111;
+    case 'A':
+    case 'a': return 0b1110111;
+    case 'B':
+    case 'b': return 0b1111100;
+    case 'C':
+    case 'c': return 0b0111001;
+    case 'D':
+    case 'd': return 0b1011110;
+    case 'E':
+    case 'e': return 0b1111001;
+    case 'F':
+    case 'f': return 0b1110001;
+    case '-': return 0b1000000;
+    default: return 0;
+  }
+}
+
+void shiftDriverWord(uint32_t word) {
+  digitalWrite(kLatchPin, HIGH);
+  digitalWrite(kClockPin, HIGH);
+
+  for (int8_t bit = kDriverBits - 1; bit >= 0; --bit) {
+    digitalWrite(kDataPin, (word >> bit) & 0x1U ? HIGH : LOW);
+    digitalWrite(kClockPin, LOW);
+    digitalWrite(kClockPin, HIGH);
+  }
+
+  digitalWrite(kLatchPin, LOW);
+  digitalWrite(kLatchPin, HIGH);
+}
+
+void setBlanked(bool blanked) {
+  if (kBlankPin < 0) return;
+
+  const bool level = kBlankActiveHigh ? blanked : !blanked;
+  digitalWrite(kBlankPin, level ? HIGH : LOW);
+}
+
+void writeText(const char* text) {
+  for (uint8_t i = 0; i < kDigitCount; ++i) {
+    displayBuffer[i] = ' ';
+  }
+
+  size_t len = strlen(text);
+  if (len > kDigitCount) {
+    text += len - kDigitCount;
+    len = kDigitCount;
+  }
+
+  const uint8_t start = kDigitCount - len;
+  for (uint8_t i = 0; i < len; ++i) {
+    displayBuffer[start + i] = text[i];
+  }
+}
+
+void clear() {
+  writeText("");
+  pointEnabled = false;
+  bellEnabled = false;
+}
+
+bool parseCommand(const String& command) {
+  char displayText[16];
+  size_t inputIndex = 0;
+  size_t displayIndex = 0;
+
+  if (command.length() == 0) {
+    return false;
+  }
+
+  if (command[inputIndex] == '-') {
+    if (displayIndex + 1 >= sizeof(displayText)) {
+      return false;
+    }
+    displayText[displayIndex++] = command[inputIndex++];
+  }
+
+  const size_t digitStart = inputIndex;
+  while (inputIndex < static_cast<size_t>(command.length()) &&
+         isxdigit(static_cast<unsigned char>(command[inputIndex]))) {
+    if (displayIndex + 1 >= sizeof(displayText)) {
+      return false;
+    }
+    displayText[displayIndex++] = toupper(static_cast<unsigned char>(command[inputIndex]));
+    ++inputIndex;
+  }
+
+  if (inputIndex == digitStart) {
+    return false;
+  }
+
+  bool newPointEnabled = false;
+  bool newBellEnabled = false;
+  while (inputIndex < static_cast<size_t>(command.length())) {
+    if (command[inputIndex] == '.') {
+      newPointEnabled = true;
+    } else if (command[inputIndex] == '!') {
+      newBellEnabled = true;
+    } else {
+      return false;
+    }
+    ++inputIndex;
+  }
+
+  displayText[displayIndex] = '\0';
+  writeText(displayText);
+  pointEnabled = newPointEnabled;
+  bellEnabled = newBellEnabled;
+  return true;
+}
+
+void renderDigit(uint8_t digitIndex) {
+  uint32_t word = 0;
+  const uint8_t segments = encodeCharacter(displayBuffer[digitIndex]);
+
+  for (uint8_t segment = 0; segment < kSegmentCount; ++segment) {
+    if ((segments >> segment) & 0x1U) {
+      word |= (1UL << (kSegmentStartBit + segment));
+    }
+  }
+
+  word |= (1UL << (kGridStartBit + digitIndex));
+  shiftDriverWord(word);
+}
+
+void renderIndicator() {
+  uint32_t word = 1UL << kIndicatorGridBit;
+  if (pointEnabled) {
+    word |= 1UL << kPointSegmentBit;
+  }
+  if (bellEnabled) {
+    word |= 1UL << kBellSegmentBit;
+  }
+  shiftDriverWord(word);
+}
+
+void begin() {
+  pinMode(kDataPin, OUTPUT);
+  pinMode(kClockPin, OUTPUT);
+  pinMode(kLatchPin, OUTPUT);
+  if (kBlankPin >= 0) {
+    pinMode(kBlankPin, OUTPUT);
+  }
+
+  digitalWrite(kDataPin, LOW);
+  digitalWrite(kClockPin, HIGH);
+  digitalWrite(kLatchPin, HIGH);
+  setBlanked(true);
+  writeText("0");
+  shiftDriverWord(0);
+}
+
+void refresh() {
+  setBlanked(true);
+  if (currentPhase < kDigitCount) {
+    renderDigit(currentPhase);
+  } else if (pointEnabled || bellEnabled) {
+    renderIndicator();
+  } else {
+    shiftDriverWord(0);
+  }
+  setBlanked(false);
+  delayMicroseconds(kDigitHoldMicros);
+  setBlanked(true);
+
+  currentPhase = (currentPhase + 1) % (kDigitCount + 1);
+}
+
+}  // namespace vfd
 
 struct GaugePins {
   uint8_t dirPin;
   uint8_t stepPin;
-  int8_t enablePin;          // -1 if unused
+  int8_t enablePin;          // -1 means there is no enable pin
   bool dirInverted;
   bool stepActiveHigh;
   bool enableActiveLow;
-  uint8_t ledCount;          // WS2812B LEDs on this gauge's strip segment (0 if none)
+  uint8_t ledCount;          // LEDs assigned to this gauge
 };
 
 constexpr GaugePins gaugePins[GAUGE_COUNT] = {
   // dir, step, en, dirInv, stepHigh, enActiveLow, leds
   {50, 51, -1, false, true, true, 7},   // Gauge 0
   {8,  9,  -1, true,  true, true, 7},   // Gauge 1
+  {52, 53, -1, false, true, true, 7},   // Gauge 2
 };
 
 constexpr uint8_t sumLedCounts(uint8_t i = 0) {
@@ -47,11 +254,11 @@ struct Gauge {
   long targetPos = 0;
 
   long minPos = 0;
-  long maxPos = 3780;             // adjust to your usable travel
+  long maxPos = 3780;
-  long homingBackoffSteps = 3800; // should exceed reverse travel slightly
+  long homingBackoffSteps = 3800; // Deliberately a touch past full reverse travel.
 
   float velocity = 0.0f;
-  float maxSpeed = 5000.0f;
+  float maxSpeed = 4000.0f;
   float accel = 6000.0f;
   float homingSpeed = 500.0f;
 
@@ -77,14 +284,11 @@ struct BlinkState {
   LedFx         fx          = FX_BLINK;
   CRGB          onColor;
   unsigned long lastMs      = 0;
-  // FX_BLINK
   uint16_t      onMs        = 500;
   uint16_t      offMs       = 500;
   bool          currentlyOn = false;
-  // FX_BREATHE: smooth triangle-wave fade
   uint16_t      periodMs    = 2000;
   uint16_t      cyclePos    = 0;
-  // FX_DFLASH: two quick flashes then pause
   uint8_t       dphase      = 0;
 };
 
@@ -96,14 +300,68 @@ uint8_t gaugeLedOffset[GAUGE_COUNT];
 BlinkState blinkState[TOTAL_LEDS];
 bool ledsDirty = false;
 
+// Sends one-line command replies back over the control port.
+//
+// Serial protocol summary.
+//
+// Host -> controller commands (newline-terminated ASCII):
+//   SET <id> <pos>
+//   SPEED <id> <steps_per_s>
+//   ACCEL <id> <steps_per_s2>
+//   ENABLE <id> <0|1>
+//   ZERO <id>
+//   HOME <id>
+//   HOMEALL
+//   SWEEP <id> <accel> <speed>
+//   POS?
+//   LED?
+//   LED <id> <idx|a-b> <r> <g> <b>
+//   BLINK <id> <idx|a-b> <on_ms> <off_ms> [<r> <g> <b>]
+//   BREATHE <id> <idx|a-b> <period_ms> <r> <g> <b>
+//   DFLASH <id> <idx|a-b> <r> <ig> <b>
+//   VFD <text[.!]>
+//   PING
+//
+// Controller -> host replies / events:
+//   READY
+//     Sent once from setup() after boot completes.
+//   OK
+//     Sent after a valid mutating command, and after POS?/LED? once all data lines
+//     for that query have been emitted.
+//   PONG
+//     Sent in response to PING.
+//   ERR BAD_CMD
+//     Sent when a complete line matches no parser.
+//   ERR TOO_LONG
+//     Sent when an input line exceeds the receive buffer limit.
+//   ERR BAD_ID
+//     Sent by commands that take a gauge id when the id is outside 0..GAUGE_COUNT-1.
+//   ERR BAD_SPEED
+//     Sent by SPEED when the requested speed is <= 0.
+//   ERR BAD_ACCEL
+//     Sent by ACCEL when the requested acceleration is <= 0.
+//   ERR BAD_IDX
+//     Sent by LED/BLINK/BREATHE/DFLASH when an LED index or range is invalid.
+//   ERR BAD_TIME
+//     Sent by BLINK/BREATHE when the timing parameter is invalid.
+//   ERR BAD_VFD
+//     Sent by VFD when the text payload is malformed.
+//   POS <id> <currentPos> <targetPos> <homed> <homingState> <sweepEnabled>
+//     Emitted once per gauge before the trailing OK reply to POS?.
+//   LED <id> <idx> <r> <g> <b>
+//     Emitted once per configured LED before the trailing OK reply to LED?.
+//   HOMED <id>
+//     Debug event printed on DEBUG_PORT when a homing sequence settles successfully.
 void sendReply(const String& s) {
   CMD_PORT.println(s);
 }
 
+// Tiny float absolute-value helper to avoid dragging more machinery into the sketch.
 float absf(float x) {
   return (x < 0.0f) ? -x : x;
 }
 
+// Updates the cached enable state and toggles the hardware pin if one exists.
 void setEnable(uint8_t id, bool en) {
   if (id >= GAUGE_COUNT) return;
   gauges[id].enabled = en;
@@ -115,11 +373,13 @@ void setEnable(uint8_t id, bool en) {
   digitalWrite(pin, level ? HIGH : LOW);
 }
 
+// Applies the logical direction after accounting for per-gauge inversion.
 void setDir(uint8_t id, bool forward) {
   bool level = gaugePins[id].dirInverted ? !forward : forward;
   digitalWrite(gaugePins[id].dirPin, level ? HIGH : LOW);
 }
 
+// Emits one step pulse with the polarity expected by the driver.
 void pulseStep(uint8_t id) {
   bool active = gaugePins[id].stepActiveHigh;
   digitalWrite(gaugePins[id].stepPin, active ? HIGH : LOW);
@@ -127,6 +387,7 @@ void pulseStep(uint8_t id) {
   digitalWrite(gaugePins[id].stepPin, active ? LOW : HIGH);
 }
 
+// Moves the motor by one step if the requested direction is still within allowed travel.
 void doStep(uint8_t id, int dir, bool allowPastMin = false) {
   Gauge& g = gauges[id];
   if (!g.enabled) return;
@@ -144,6 +405,7 @@ void doStep(uint8_t id, int dir, bool allowPastMin = false) {
   }
 }
 
+// Arms the homing state machine for one gauge and clears any in-flight motion.
 void requestHome(uint8_t id) {
   if (id >= GAUGE_COUNT) return;
   Gauge& g = gauges[id];
@@ -154,12 +416,14 @@ void requestHome(uint8_t id) {
   g.sweepEnabled = false;
 }
 
+// Starts the same homing sequence on every configured gauge.
 void requestHomeAll() {
   for (uint8_t i = 0; i < GAUGE_COUNT; i++) {
     requestHome(i);
   }
 }
 
+// Advances the simple homing state machine until the gauge is parked at logical zero.
 void updateHoming(uint8_t id) {
   Gauge& g = gauges[id];
   unsigned long nowUs = micros();
@@ -170,6 +434,7 @@ void updateHoming(uint8_t id) {
       return;
 
     case HS_START:
+      // No endstop here; homing just walks back far enough to hit the hard stop.
       g.velocity = 0.0f;
       g.stepAccumulator = 0.0f;
       g.homingStepsRemaining = g.homingBackoffSteps;
@@ -213,6 +478,7 @@ void updateHoming(uint8_t id) {
   }
 }
 
+// Flips the sweep destination when the gauge has settled at either end of travel.
 void updateSweepTarget(uint8_t id) {
   Gauge& g = gauges[id];
   if (!g.sweepEnabled || !g.homed || g.homingState != HS_IDLE) return;
@@ -232,6 +498,7 @@ void updateSweepTarget(uint8_t id) {
   }
 }
 
+// Runs one gauge worth of motion control, including homing and optional sweeping.
 void updateGauge(uint8_t id) {
   Gauge& g = gauges[id];
 
@@ -266,6 +533,7 @@ void updateGauge(uint8_t id) {
   }
 
   float dir = (error > 0) ? 1.0f : (error < 0 ? -1.0f : 0.0f);
+  // Basic trapezoidal profile: brake if the remaining travel is shorter than the stop distance.
   float brakingDistance = (g.velocity * g.velocity) / (2.0f * g.accel + 0.0001f);
 
   if ((float)labs(error) <= brakingDistance) {
@@ -286,6 +554,7 @@ void updateGauge(uint8_t id) {
     g.velocity = dir * 5.0f;
   }
 
+  // Integrate fractional steps until there is enough to emit a real pulse.
   g.stepAccumulator += g.velocity * dt;
 
   while (g.stepAccumulator >= 1.0f) {
@@ -327,6 +596,8 @@ void updateGauge(uint8_t id) {
   }
 }
 
+// Parses `SET <id> <pos>` and updates the target position.
+// Replies: `OK`, `ERR BAD_ID`.
 bool parseSet(const String& line) {
   int id;
   long pos;
@@ -346,6 +617,8 @@ bool parseSet(const String& line) {
   return false;
 }
 
+// Parses `SPEED <id> <speed>` and updates the max step rate.
+// Replies: `OK`, `ERR BAD_ID`, `ERR BAD_SPEED`.
 bool parseSpeed(const String& line) {
   int firstSpace = line.indexOf(' ');
   int secondSpace = line.indexOf(' ', firstSpace + 1);
@@ -369,6 +642,8 @@ bool parseSpeed(const String& line) {
   return true;
 }
 
+// Parses `ACCEL <id> <accel>` and updates the acceleration limit.
+// Replies: `OK`, `ERR BAD_ID`, `ERR BAD_ACCEL`.
 bool parseAccel(const String& line) {
   int firstSpace = line.indexOf(' ');
   int secondSpace = line.indexOf(' ', firstSpace + 1);
@@ -392,6 +667,8 @@ bool parseAccel(const String& line) {
   return true;
 }
 
+// Parses `ENABLE <id> <0|1>` and toggles the selected driver.
+// Replies: `OK`, `ERR BAD_ID`.
 bool parseEnable(const String& line) {
   int id, en;
   if (sscanf(line.c_str(), "ENABLE %d %d", &id, &en) == 2) {
@@ -407,6 +684,8 @@ bool parseEnable(const String& line) {
   return false;
 }
 
+// Parses `ZERO <id>` and declares the current position to be home.
+// Replies: `OK`, `ERR BAD_ID`.
 bool parseZero(const String& line) {
   int id;
   if (sscanf(line.c_str(), "ZERO %d", &id) == 1) {
@@ -428,6 +707,8 @@ bool parseZero(const String& line) {
   return false;
 }
 
+// Parses `HOME <id>` or `HOMEALL` and kicks off the homing sequence.
+// Replies: `OK`, `ERR BAD_ID`. Successful completion later emits debug line `HOMED <id>`.
 bool parseHome(const String& line) {
   int id;
   if (sscanf(line.c_str(), "HOME %d", &id) == 1) {
@@ -450,6 +731,8 @@ bool parseHome(const String& line) {
   return false;
 }
 
+// Parses `SWEEP <id> <accel> <speed>` and enables or disables end-to-end motion.
+// Replies: `OK`, `ERR BAD_ID`.
 bool parseSweep(const String& line) {
   int firstSpace = line.indexOf(' ');
   int secondSpace = line.indexOf(' ', firstSpace + 1);
@@ -486,6 +769,9 @@ bool parseSweep(const String& line) {
   return true;
 }
 
+// Answers `POS?` with current motion state for every gauge.
+// Emits one `POS <id> <cur> <tgt> <homed> <homingState> <sweep>` line per gauge,
+// then replies `OK`.
 bool parsePosQuery(const String& line) {
   if (line == "POS?") {
     for (uint8_t i = 0; i < GAUGE_COUNT; i++) {
@@ -508,6 +794,8 @@ bool parsePosQuery(const String& line) {
   return false;
 }
 
+// Answers the mandatory life question: are you there?
+// Reply: `PONG`.
 bool parsePing(const String& line) {
   if (line == "PING") {
     sendReply("PONG");
@@ -516,6 +804,34 @@ bool parsePing(const String& line) {
   return false;
 }
 
+// Parses `VFD <text>` where <text> is up to four hex characters with optional `.` and `!` suffixes.
+// Replies: `OK`, `ERR BAD_VFD`.
+bool parseVfd(const String& line) {
+  if (line == "VFD") {
+    vfd::clear();
+    sendReply("OK");
+    return true;
+  }
+
+  if (!line.startsWith("VFD ")) return false;
+
+  const String payload = line.substring(4);
+  if (payload.length() == 0) {
+    vfd::clear();
+    sendReply("OK");
+    return true;
+  }
+
+  if (vfd::parseCommand(payload)) {
+    sendReply("OK");
+  } else {
+    sendReply("ERR BAD_VFD");
+  }
+  return true;
+}
+
+// Answers `LED?` with the current RGB values for every configured LED.
+// Emits one `LED <id> <idx> <r> <g> <b>` line per configured LED, then replies `OK`.
 bool parseLedQuery(const String& line) {
   if (line == "LED?") {
     for (uint8_t i = 0; i < GAUGE_COUNT; i++) {
@@ -539,6 +855,8 @@ bool parseLedQuery(const String& line) {
   return false;
 }
 
+// Parses `LED <id> <idx|a-b> <r> <g> <b>` and writes static colours.
+// Replies: `OK`, `ERR BAD_ID`, `ERR BAD_IDX`.
 bool parseLed(const String& line) {
   int id, r, g, b;
   char idxToken[16];
@@ -562,12 +880,12 @@ bool parseLed(const String& line) {
   return false;
 }
 
+// Parses `BLINK ...` and assigns a simple on/off effect to one LED or a range.
+// Replies: `OK`, `ERR BAD_ID`, `ERR BAD_IDX`, `ERR BAD_TIME`.
 bool parseBlink(const String& line) {
   int id, onMs, offMs, r, g, b;
   char idxToken[16];
-  // Accept both forms:
+  // Optional RGB values let BLINK either reuse or replace the current colour.
-  //   BLINK <id> <idx> <on_ms> <off_ms>           — use current LED colour
-  //   BLINK <id> <idx> <on_ms> <off_ms> <r> <g> <b> — set colour in same command
   int count = sscanf(line.c_str(), "BLINK %d %15s %d %d %d %d %d",
                      &id, idxToken, &onMs, &offMs, &r, &g, &b);
   if (count != 4 && count != 7) return false;
@@ -590,7 +908,7 @@ bool parseBlink(const String& line) {
 
   CRGB color = (count == 7)
     ? CRGB(constrain(r, 0, 255), constrain(g, 0, 255), constrain(b, 0, 255))
-    : CRGB(0, 0, 0);  // placeholder; overwritten per-LED below when count==4
+    : CRGB(0, 0, 0);  // Placeholder; replaced with the live LED colour below.
 
   unsigned long nowMs = millis();
   for (int i = idxFirst; i <= idxLast; i++) {
@@ -610,6 +928,8 @@ bool parseBlink(const String& line) {
   return true;
 }
 
+// Parses `BREATHE ...` and assigns a triangle-wave fade effect.
+// Replies: `OK`, `ERR BAD_ID`, `ERR BAD_IDX`, `ERR BAD_TIME`.
 bool parseBreathe(const String& line) {
   int id, periodMs, r, g, b;
   char idxToken[16];
@@ -641,6 +961,8 @@ bool parseBreathe(const String& line) {
   return true;
 }
 
+// Parses `DFLASH ...` and assigns the double-flash pattern.
+// Replies: `OK`, `ERR BAD_ID`, `ERR BAD_IDX`.
 bool parseDflash(const String& line) {
   int id, r, g, b;
   char idxToken[16];
@@ -670,6 +992,7 @@ bool parseDflash(const String& line) {
   return true;
 }
 
+// Advances all active LED effects and marks the strip dirty when something changed.
 void updateBlink() {
   unsigned long nowMs = millis();
   bool changed = false;
@@ -697,6 +1020,7 @@ void updateBlink() {
           uint32_t newPos = (uint32_t)bs.cyclePos + dt;
           bs.cyclePos = (uint16_t)(newPos % bs.periodMs);
           bs.lastMs = nowMs;
+          // Cheap triangle wave. It does the job and nobody has complained yet.
           uint16_t half = bs.periodMs >> 1;
           uint8_t bri = (bs.cyclePos < half)
               ? (uint8_t)((uint32_t)bs.cyclePos * 255 / half)
@@ -707,7 +1031,7 @@ void updateBlink() {
           break;
         }
         case FX_DFLASH: {
-          static const uint16_t dur[4] = {100, 100, 100, 700};
+          static const uint16_t dur[4] = {100, 100, 100, 700}; // on, off, on, longer off
           if ((nowMs - bs.lastMs) >= dur[bs.dphase]) {
             bs.lastMs = nowMs;
             bs.dphase = (bs.dphase + 1) & 3;
@@ -723,6 +1047,8 @@ void updateBlink() {
   if (changed) ledsDirty = true;
 }
 
+// Runs the command parsers in order until one claims the line.
+// Reply: `ERR BAD_CMD` when no parser accepts the line.
 void processLine(const String& line) {
   if (parseSet(line)) return;
   if (parseSpeed(line)) return;
@@ -737,11 +1063,14 @@ void processLine(const String& line) {
   if (parseBlink(line)) return;
   if (parseBreathe(line)) return;
   if (parseDflash(line)) return;
+  if (parseVfd(line)) return;
   if (parsePing(line)) return;
 
   sendReply("ERR BAD_CMD");
 }
 
+// Reads newline-delimited commands from serial and hands complete lines to the parser.
+// Reply: `ERR TOO_LONG` when the buffered line exceeds the receive limit before newline.
 void readCommands() {
   while (CMD_PORT.available()) {
     char c = (char)CMD_PORT.read();
@@ -762,8 +1091,10 @@ void readCommands() {
   }
 }
 
+// Initialises pins, LED bookkeeping and the initial homing cycle.
+// Reply/event: emits `READY` on CMD_PORT once boot is complete.
 void setup() {
-  DEBUG_PORT.begin(38400);
+  DEBUG_PORT.begin(SERIAL_BAUD);
   DEBUG_PORT.println("Gauge controller booting");
 
   for (uint8_t i = 0; i < GAUGE_COUNT; i++) {
@@ -781,7 +1112,7 @@ void setup() {
     gauges[i].lastUpdateMicros = micros();
   }
 
-  // Compute per-gauge LED offsets and initialise the strip.
+  // Flatten the per-gauge LED counts into offsets on the shared strip.
   uint8_t ledOff = 0;
   for (uint8_t i = 0; i < GAUGE_COUNT; i++) {
     gaugeLedOffset[i] = ledOff;
@@ -791,22 +1122,29 @@ void setup() {
   FastLED.setBrightness(255);
   FastLED.show();
 
+  vfd::begin();
+
   requestHomeAll();
 
   DEBUG_PORT.println("READY");
+  // Boot-complete handshake for the command channel.
   sendReply("READY");
 }
 
+// Main service loop: ingest commands, advance effects, move gauges, flush LEDs.
 void loop() {
   readCommands();
+  vfd::refresh();
   updateBlink();
 
+  for (uint8_t i = 0; i < GAUGE_COUNT; i++) {
+    updateGauge(i);
+  }
+  
   if (ledsDirty) {
     FastLED.show();
     ledsDirty = false;
   }
 
-  for (uint8_t i = 0; i < GAUGE_COUNT; i++) {
+
-    updateGauge(i);
-  }
 }

README.md

@@ -1,3 +1,91 @@
 # arduino_gauge_controller
 
 A dedicated gauge controller for Arduinos.
+
+## Overview
+
+This repository contains:
+
+- `Gaugecontroller/Gaugecontroller.ino`: the Arduino Mega firmware for the stepper gauges, LEDs, and integrated HV5812-based VFD
+- `gauge.py`: the ESP32 / MicroPython MQTT bridge that exposes the controller to Home Assistant
+
+## VFD Support
+
+The integrated gauge controller now includes a 4-digit VFD with:
+
+- 4 alphanumeric digits
+- decimal point indicator
+- alarm bell indicator
+
+On the merged Arduino firmware, the HV5812 control pins are:
+
+- `D46` -> `DATA`
+- `D47` -> `CLOCK`
+- `D48` -> `STROBE`
+- `D49` -> `BLANK/OE`
+
+The standalone VFD sketch used `D51/D52/D53/D49`, but `51/52/53` conflict with the gauge stepper pins in the integrated controller.
+
+## Arduino Serial Commands
+
+The merged Arduino firmware accepts:
+
+- `VFD`
+  clears the display and turns off decimal point and alarm bell
+- `VFD 1234`
+- `VFD 0123`
+- `VFD DEAD`
+- `VFD 8888.`
+- `VFD BEEF!`
+- `VFD 12AF.!`
+
+Rules:
+
+- up to 4 characters are displayed
+- valid characters are `0-9`, `A-F`, and `-`
+- `.` enables the decimal point
+- `!` enables the alarm bell
+- shorter values are right-aligned
+- leading zeroes are preserved if they are part of the input
+
+## Home Assistant Entities
+
+The MQTT bridge publishes Home Assistant discovery entities for the VFD:
+
+- `VFD Display`
+  text entity for the displayed value
+- `VFD Decimal Point`
+  switch entity
+- `VFD Alarm`
+  switch entity
+
+The display is intentionally exposed as a text entity rather than a numeric entity so that:
+
+- leading zeroes are preserved
+- hexadecimal values like `DEAD` or `BEEF` work
+- clearing the display is possible with an empty value
+
+## MQTT Topics
+
+Using the configured `mqtt_prefix` from `config.json`, the VFD topics are:
+
+- `<prefix>/vfd/set`
+- `<prefix>/vfd/state`
+- `<prefix>/vfd/decimal_point/set`
+- `<prefix>/vfd/decimal_point/state`
+- `<prefix>/vfd/alarm/set`
+- `<prefix>/vfd/alarm/state`
+
+Example with the default prefix `gauges`:
+
+- `gauges/vfd/set`
+- `gauges/vfd/decimal_point/set`
+- `gauges/vfd/alarm/set`
+
+Example payloads:
+
+- publish `0123` to `gauges/vfd/set`
+- publish `ON` to `gauges/vfd/decimal_point/set`
+- publish `OFF` to `gauges/vfd/alarm/set`
+
+The MQTT bridge then converts that into the correct Arduino serial command such as `VFD 0123.`.

Rewire_checklist.md

@@ -0,0 +1,322 @@
+# Rewire Checklist
+
+This is a practical rebuild checklist for the current integrated setup:
+
+- `Arduino Mega 2560`
+- `ESP32` running `gauge.py`
+- `HV5812P`
+- 4-digit VFD with decimal point and alarm bell
+- 3 gauge drivers
+- WS2812B LED chain
+
+Use this to rebuild the bench wiring from scratch.
+
+## 1. Power Off Everything
+
+- disconnect all power supplies
+- disconnect USB power if it is currently feeding any board
+- do not move wires while the VFD high-voltage supply is live
+
+## 2. Place The Main Parts
+
+- place the `Arduino Mega 2560`
+- place the `ESP32`
+- place the `HV5812P`
+- place the 3 gauge driver boards
+- place the WS2812B strip connection point
+- place the VFD tube connection point
+
+## 3. Establish A Common Ground First
+
+Before anything else, create one common logic ground network.
+
+Connect:
+
+- `Mega GND` -> ground rail
+- `ESP32 GND` -> same ground rail
+- `HV5812P GND` -> same ground rail
+- `Gauge driver 0 logic GND` -> same ground rail
+- `Gauge driver 1 logic GND` -> same ground rail
+- `Gauge driver 2 logic GND` -> same ground rail
+- `WS2812B GND` -> same ground rail
+
+If your VFD high-voltage supply has a ground/reference return:
+
+- `VFD HV supply return` -> same common ground rail
+
+Do not continue until this common ground is in place.
+
+## 4. Wire The Arduino Mega Power
+
+Connect:
+
+- regulated `5V logic supply` -> `Mega 5V`
+- ground rail -> `Mega GND`
+
+Do not use the Mega to power motors.
+
+## 5. Wire The ESP32 Power
+
+Power the ESP32 in the way your board expects.
+
+Typical options:
+
+- via board USB
+- via board `5V/VIN` if your ESP32 board has its own regulator
+- via regulated `3.3V` if it is a bare module that requires that
+
+Also connect:
+
+- `ESP32 GND` -> common ground rail
+
+Do not feed raw `5V` into a bare `3.3V-only` ESP32 module.
+
+## 6. Wire The ESP32 UART To The Mega
+
+Connect:
+
+- `ESP32 GPIO17 (TX)` -> `Mega pin 19 (RX1)`
+- `ESP32 GPIO16 (RX)` <- `Mega pin 18 (TX1)`
+- `ESP32 GND` -> `Mega GND`
+
+This UART link is used by `gauge.py`.
+
+## 7. Wire The HV5812P Logic Side
+
+Connect:
+
+- `Mega D46` -> `HV5812P DATA IN / DIN`
+- `Mega D47` -> `HV5812P CLOCK / CLK`
+- `Mega D48` -> `HV5812P STROBE / LATCH`
+- `Mega D49` -> `HV5812P BLANKING / OE`
+- `Mega 5V` -> `HV5812P VDD`
+- `Mega GND` -> `HV5812P GND`
+
+Do not connect:
+
+- `Mega 5V` -> `HV5812P VPP`
+
+## 8. Wire The HV5812P High-Voltage Side
+
+Connect:
+
+- `VFD high-voltage positive supply` -> `HV5812P VPP`
+- `VFD high-voltage supply return / reference` -> common ground rail
+
+At this stage:
+
+- `VDD` must be `5V`
+- `VPP` must be your VFD high-voltage rail
+
+## 9. Wire The HV5812P Outputs To The VFD
+
+Connect these one by one:
+
+- `HVOut1` -> VFD segment `A`
+- `HVOut2` -> VFD segment `B`
+- `HVOut3` -> VFD segment `C`
+- `HVOut4` -> VFD segment `D`
+- `HVOut5` -> VFD segment `E`
+- `HVOut6` -> VFD segment `F`
+- `HVOut7` -> VFD segment `G`
+- `HVOut8` -> VFD decimal point segment
+- `HVOut9` -> VFD alarm bell segment
+- `HVOut10` -> VFD digit 1 grid
+- `HVOut11` -> VFD digit 2 grid
+- `HVOut12` -> VFD digit 3 grid
+- `HVOut13` -> VFD digit 4 grid
+- `HVOut14` -> VFD indicator grid between digits 2 and 3
+
+## 10. Wire The VFD Filament
+
+Wire the VFD filament/heater exactly as required by your tube.
+
+This checklist cannot specify the exact filament supply because it depends on the actual tube.
+
+Required reminder:
+
+- do not power the filament from an Arduino GPIO
+- use the correct filament supply for the tube
+
+## 11. Wire Gauge Driver 0
+
+Connect:
+
+- `Mega D50` -> `Gauge driver 0 DIR`
+- `Mega D51` -> `Gauge driver 0 STEP`
+- `Mega GND` -> `Gauge driver 0 logic GND`
+
+Then connect the motor side of that driver to:
+
+- its motor power supply
+- its gauge motor
+
+according to the driver board you are using.
+
+## 12. Wire Gauge Driver 1
+
+Connect:
+
+- `Mega D8` -> `Gauge driver 1 DIR`
+- `Mega D9` -> `Gauge driver 1 STEP`
+- `Mega GND` -> `Gauge driver 1 logic GND`
+
+Then connect the motor side of that driver to:
+
+- its motor power supply
+- its gauge motor
+
+according to the driver board you are using.
+
+## 13. Wire Gauge Driver 2
+
+Connect:
+
+- `Mega D52` -> `Gauge driver 2 DIR`
+- `Mega D53` -> `Gauge driver 2 STEP`
+- `Mega GND` -> `Gauge driver 2 logic GND`
+
+Then connect the motor side of that driver to:
+
+- its motor power supply
+- its gauge motor
+
+according to the driver board you are using.
+
+## 14. Wire The WS2812B LEDs
+
+Connect:
+
+- `Mega D22` -> `WS2812B DIN`
+- `5V LED supply` -> `WS2812B 5V`
+- `WS2812B GND` -> common ground rail
+
+If the LED chain is long or bright:
+
+- do not power it from the Mega `5V`
+- use a proper external `5V` supply
+
+## 15. Verify The Pins That Changed For The Integrated VFD
+
+The VFD is no longer on the old standalone pins.
+
+Old standalone pins:
+
+- `D51` -> DATA
+- `D52` -> CLOCK
+- `D53` -> STROBE
+- `D49` -> BLANK
+
+Current integrated pins:
+
+- `D46` -> DATA
+- `D47` -> CLOCK
+- `D48` -> STROBE
+- `D49` -> BLANK
+
+So make sure:
+
+- nothing VFD-related is still on `D51`
+- nothing VFD-related is still on `D52`
+- nothing VFD-related is still on `D53`
+- only `BLANK/OE` remains on `D49`
+
+## 16. Sanity Check Before Powering Logic
+
+Check each item physically:
+
+- `Mega D46` really goes to `HV5812 DATA`
+- `Mega D47` really goes to `HV5812 CLOCK`
+- `Mega D48` really goes to `HV5812 STROBE`
+- `Mega D49` really goes to `HV5812 BLANKING`
+- `Mega D50/D51` only go to gauge driver 0
+- `Mega D8/D9` only go to gauge driver 1
+- `Mega D52/D53` only go to gauge driver 2
+- `Mega D22` only goes to WS2812B `DIN`
+- `ESP32 GPIO17` goes to `Mega RX1`
+- `ESP32 GPIO16` goes to `Mega TX1`
+- all grounds are common
+- `HV5812 VDD` is `5V`
+- `HV5812 VPP` is high voltage, not `5V`
+
+## 17. Power Logic Only First
+
+Apply only logic power first:
+
+- Mega power
+- ESP32 power
+- HV5812 `VDD`
+- WS2812 `5V`
+
+Leave motor supply and VFD high voltage off for the first check if possible.
+
+Verify:
+
+- Mega boots
+- ESP32 boots
+- UART communication works
+
+## 18. Power The VFD High Voltage
+
+Now apply the VFD high-voltage supply to `HV5812 VPP`.
+
+Verify:
+
+- `VDD` remains `5V`
+- `VPP` is the expected high voltage
+- no logic wire is heating
+
+## 19. Power The Gauge Drivers
+
+Now apply motor power to the gauge drivers.
+
+Verify:
+
+- no driver fault LEDs
+- no motor heating or runaway movement immediately on power-up
+
+## 20. First Functional Test
+
+Test in this order:
+
+1. confirm the ESP32 can talk to the Mega
+2. send `VFD 8888`
+3. send `VFD DEAD.!`
+4. test one gauge movement from Home Assistant or MQTT
+5. test one LED output
+
+## 21. If Something Is Wrong
+
+Use this triage order:
+
+1. check grounds
+2. check `VDD` and `VPP`
+3. check Mega pin number mistakes
+4. check crossed UART lines
+5. check that the VFD is still on `46/47/48/49`, not `51/52/53/49`
+
+## 22. Quick Reference
+
+### Mega pins in use
+
+- `D8` -> gauge 1 DIR
+- `D9` -> gauge 1 STEP
+- `D22` -> WS2812 DIN
+- `D46` -> HV5812 DATA
+- `D47` -> HV5812 CLOCK
+- `D48` -> HV5812 STROBE
+- `D49` -> HV5812 BLANKING
+- `D50` -> gauge 0 DIR
+- `D51` -> gauge 0 STEP
+- `D52` -> gauge 2 DIR
+- `D53` -> gauge 2 STEP
+- `D18` -> UART TX1 to ESP32 RX
+- `D19` -> UART RX1 from ESP32 TX
+
+### VFD outputs
+
+- `HVOut1..7` -> `A..G`
+- `HVOut8` -> decimal point
+- `HVOut9` -> alarm bell
+- `HVOut10..13` -> digit grids 1..4
+- `HVOut14` -> indicator grid

Stripboard_layout.md

@@ -0,0 +1,413 @@
+# Stripboard Layout Suggestion
+
+This is a practical suggested layout for moving the current bench wiring onto stripboard. It is not a PCB netlist. It is a placement and routing plan intended to reduce wiring chaos while keeping the high-voltage VFD side separated from the low-voltage logic side.
+
+Use this together with:
+
+- [wiring.md](/home/adebaumann/development/arduino_gauge_controller/wiring.md:1)
+- [Rewire_checklist.md](/home/adebaumann/development/arduino_gauge_controller/Rewire_checklist.md:1)
+
+## Design Goals
+
+- keep `5V logic` on one side
+- keep `VFD high voltage` on the opposite side
+- keep the `HV5812P` between those two domains
+- bring all off-board wiring to clearly labeled edge connectors
+- avoid crossing the gauge step/dir wiring through the VFD area
+- make debugging possible with scope probes and a meter
+
+## Recommended Board Strategy
+
+Use one main stripboard for:
+
+- Arduino Mega interface headers
+- HV5812P and its support wiring
+- connectors for the VFD tube
+- connectors for the three gauge drivers
+- connector for the WS2812 strip
+- connector for the ESP32 UART link
+
+Do not mount the Arduino Mega itself onto stripboard. Use pin headers or screw terminals so the Mega remains removable.
+
+If possible, also do not mount the ESP32 directly unless you already have a reliable carrier board for it.
+
+## Suggested Physical Zoning
+
+Arrange the board in four zones from left to right:
+
+1. `Mega / ESP32 low-voltage I/O zone`
+2. `Gauge / LED connector zone`
+3. `HV5812P driver zone`
+4. `VFD high-voltage and tube connector zone`
+
+That gives you a left-to-right flow like this:
+
+```text
+[ Mega / ESP32 ] [ Gauge + LED connectors ] [ HV5812P ] [ VFD + HV connectors ]
+```
+
+This is better than putting the HV5812 at the edge near the Mega, because the HV5812 is the boundary device between logic and high voltage.
+
+## Board Orientation
+
+Assume the stripboard copper tracks run horizontally.
+
+Recommended use:
+
+- horizontal tracks for local distribution
+- vertical jumps made with insulated wire links
+
+Cut tracks aggressively around the HV5812P so it does not accidentally join unrelated nets through the copper strips.
+
+## Left Side: Mega / ESP32 Interface
+
+Place a row of labeled pin headers or screw terminals for the signals coming from the Mega:
+
+- `5V`
+- `GND`
+- `D22`
+- `D46`
+- `D47`
+- `D48`
+- `D49`
+- `D50`
+- `D51`
+- `D52`
+- `D53`
+- `RX1`
+- `TX1`
+
+Place a second small header for the ESP32:
+
+- `ESP32 TX`
+- `ESP32 RX`
+- `ESP32 GND`
+
+Keep these headers near one board edge so you can unplug and rework them easily.
+
+## Middle-Left: Gauge / LED Connectors
+
+Place four connector groups near the Mega interface side:
+
+1. `Gauge 0`
+   - `DIR`
+   - `STEP`
+   - `GND`
+2. `Gauge 1`
+   - `DIR`
+   - `STEP`
+   - `GND`
+3. `Gauge 2`
+   - `DIR`
+   - `STEP`
+   - `GND`
+4. `WS2812`
+   - `DIN`
+   - `5V`
+   - `GND`
+
+This keeps all low-voltage off-board connections together.
+
+## Center: HV5812P Zone
+
+Mount the `HV5812P` roughly in the center-right of the board.
+
+Reason:
+
+- logic-side control pins can approach from the left
+- high-voltage outputs can leave to the right toward the VFD connector
+
+Around the HV5812P:
+
+- isolate each used pin with track cuts as needed
+- keep short local links for `DATA`, `CLOCK`, `STROBE`, `BLANKING`
+- keep `VDD` decoupling physically close to the chip
+
+Recommended support parts close to the HV5812P:
+
+- `100 nF` ceramic decoupling capacitor between `VDD` and `GND`
+- one larger bulk capacitor on the `5V` rail nearby, for example `10 uF` to `47 uF`
+
+If you already use any datasheet-recommended support parts for the HV side, place them in this same zone.
+
+## Right Side: VFD Connector Zone
+
+Put the VFD connectors on the far right side of the board, physically separated from the Mega headers.
+
+Provide terminals or headers for:
+
+- `HVOut1` -> `A`
+- `HVOut2` -> `B`
+- `HVOut3` -> `C`
+- `HVOut4` -> `D`
+- `HVOut5` -> `E`
+- `HVOut6` -> `F`
+- `HVOut7` -> `G`
+- `HVOut8` -> `DP`
+- `HVOut9` -> `BELL`
+- `HVOut10` -> `GRID1`
+- `HVOut11` -> `GRID2`
+- `HVOut12` -> `GRID3`
+- `HVOut13` -> `GRID4`
+- `HVOut14` -> `GRID_IND`
+
+Also provide separate terminals for:
+
+- `VPP`
+- `GND`
+- filament connections
+
+Keep the filament connections away from the logic-side headers.
+
+## Suggested Power Buses
+
+Use distinct buses and label them clearly:
+
+- `5V LOGIC`
+- `GND`
+- `VPP`
+
+Recommended physical arrangement:
+
+- `5V` bus along the top-left area only
+- `GND` bus available across the board
+- `VPP` bus only on the far-right HV area
+
+Do not run a long exposed `VPP` strip through the entire board. Keep the high-voltage distribution short and local to the HV5812 and VFD connector side.
+
+## Suggested Routing
+
+### Mega to HV5812
+
+Route these as short direct runs:
+
+- `D46` -> `DATA`
+- `D47` -> `CLOCK`
+- `D48` -> `STROBE`
+- `D49` -> `BLANKING`
+
+These should pass from the left interface zone into the HV5812 zone without crossing the VPP area.
+
+### Mega to Gauges
+
+Route these directly to the gauge connector blocks:
+
+- `D50` -> gauge 0 `DIR`
+- `D51` -> gauge 0 `STEP`
+- `D8` and `D9`
+  If you are bringing these through the stripboard too, add them to the Mega header group and route them directly to gauge 1.
+- `D52` -> gauge 2 `DIR`
+- `D53` -> gauge 2 `STEP`
+
+If `D8` and `D9` come from separate fly wires to the stripboard, keep them in the same low-voltage connector area as the rest of the gauge lines.
+
+### Mega to WS2812
+
+Route:
+
+- `D22` -> `WS2812 DIN`
+- `5V` -> `WS2812 5V`
+- `GND` -> `WS2812 GND`
+
+Keep the LED connector in the low-voltage area.
+
+### ESP32 to Mega
+
+If the stripboard is acting as the interconnect backplane:
+
+- `ESP32 TX` -> `Mega RX1`
+- `ESP32 RX` -> `Mega TX1`
+- `ESP32 GND` -> `GND`
+
+## Track Cuts and Links
+
+Recommended stripboard discipline:
+
+- every IC pin should be visually checked for unintended strip continuity
+- cut under or near pins wherever two adjacent pins must not share the strip
+- use insulated jumpers for crossings instead of relying on long exposed component leads
+- use a continuity meter after every 5-10 wires added
+
+For the HV5812P specifically:
+
+- assume most adjacent pins must not be left on the same uninterrupted strip
+- cut first, then add intentional links
+
+## Physical Separation Rules
+
+Keep these separations:
+
+- logic and UART wiring away from `VPP`
+- VFD output traces away from ESP32 and Mega headers
+- gauge step/dir traces away from VFD high-voltage outputs where possible
+
+If you can, leave at least one empty strip gap between low-voltage and high-voltage routing regions, and more where practical.
+
+## Labeling
+
+Label the board directly with marker or printed tape.
+
+At minimum label:
+
+- `5V`
+- `GND`
+- `VPP`
+- `DIN`
+- `CLK`
+- `STR`
+- `BLK`
+- `G0 DIR`
+- `G0 STEP`
+- `G1 DIR`
+- `G1 STEP`
+- `G2 DIR`
+- `G2 STEP`
+- `LED DIN`
+- `RX1`
+- `TX1`
+- `A B C D E F G DP BELL G1 G2 G3 G4 GI`
+
+This matters more than aesthetics. A labeled board is much easier to repair later.
+
+## Practical Build Order
+
+1. Place and mark the four physical zones.
+2. Mount the low-voltage connector headers.
+3. Mount the HV5812P.
+4. Cut all required strips around the HV5812P before adding wires.
+5. Add `GND` and `5V` low-voltage distribution.
+6. Add Mega-to-HV5812 logic lines.
+7. Add gauge and LED connector routing.
+8. Add `VPP` and the VFD output connector routing.
+9. Add the VFD filament connector.
+10. Verify continuity and shorts before any power is applied.
+
+## Recommended First Continuity Checks
+
+Before power:
+
+- `5V` is not shorted to `GND`
+- `VPP` is not shorted to `GND`
+- `VPP` is not shorted to `5V`
+- `D46/D47/D48/D49` are only connected to the intended HV5812 pins
+- `D50/D51/D52/D53/D8/D9` are only connected to the intended gauge connectors
+- `D22` only goes to the WS2812 connector
+- `RX1/TX1` are not swapped at the stripboard labels
+
+## Suggested Board Size
+
+For comfort rather than minimum size, use a board large enough to avoid crowding:
+
+- roughly `100 x 160 mm` or larger if you want good service access
+
+Smaller is possible, but with mixed logic, UART, gauge control, LEDs, and VFD high voltage, cramped stripboard becomes harder to debug than a rat's nest.
+
+## Recommendation
+
+If you want the cleanest result:
+
+- use the stripboard only as an interconnect backplane
+- keep the Mega, ESP32, and possibly the gauge drivers off-board on removable connectors
+- keep the HV5812 and VFD connector area on the stripboard itself
+
+That gives you most of the neatness benefit without forcing the whole system into one dense board.
+
+## ASCII Top View
+
+This is a suggested top-view arrangement, not a strict scale drawing.
+
+```text
+Top edge
+
++--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
+| [Mega Header Block]                [Gauge / LED Connectors]          [HV5812P Zone] [VFD Zone] |
+|                                                                                                  |
+|  5V  GND  D22  D46  D47  D48  D49  D50  D51  D52  D53  RX1  TX1                                 |
+|  o    o    o    o    o    o    o    o    o    o    o    o    o                                  |
+|                                                                                                  |
+|  [ESP32 Header]                                                                                  |
+|  TX   RX   GND                                                                                   |
+|  o    o    o                                                                                     |
+|                                                                                                  |
+|                                [Gauge 0]   [Gauge 1]   [Gauge 2]   [WS2812]                     |
+|                                DIR STEP G  DIR STEP G  DIR STEP G  DIN 5V G                     |
+|                                 o   o   o   o   o   o   o   o   o   o  o  o                     |
+|                                                                                                  |
+|                                                            +----------------------+              |
+|                                                            |      HV5812P         |              |
+|                                                            |                      |              |
+|  5V LOGIC BUS ============================================>| VDD                  |              |
+|  GND BUS      ============================================>| GND                  |==============|
+|                                                            | DIN  CLK STR BLK     |              |
+|                                                            |  ^    ^   ^   ^      |              |
+|                                                            +--|----|---|---|------+              |
+|                                                               |    |   |   |                     |
+|                                                               |    |   |   +---- D49             |
+|                                                               |    |   +-------- D48             |
+|                                                               |    +------------ D47             |
+|                                                               +----------------- D46             |
+|                                                                                                  |
+|                                                                               VPP terminal       |
+|                                                                               o                  |
+|                                                                               |                  |
+|  HV AREA                                                                     |                  |
+|  kept to right side only                                                     |                  |
+|                                                                               v                  |
+|                                                         A  B  C  D  E  F  G  DP BELL G1 G2 G3 G4 GI
+|                                                         o  o  o  o  o  o  o  o   o    o  o  o  o  o
+|                                                         [VFD output connector block]             |
+|                                                                                                  |
+|                                                         FIL_A  FIL_B  GND/HVRET                  |
+|                                                          o      o       o                        |
+|                                                         [filament / HV return terminals]         |
+|                                                                                                  |
++--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
+
+Bottom edge
+```
+
+## Reading The Sketch
+
+- left side:
+  all low-voltage headers from the Mega and ESP32
+- center-left:
+  gauge and LED connector blocks
+- center-right:
+  HV5812P
+- far right:
+  VFD outputs, filament, and `VPP`
+
+This keeps the dangerous and noisy wiring concentrated on one side of the board.
+
+## Suggested Copper-Strip Use
+
+If your strips run horizontally:
+
+- use upper strips for low-voltage headers and distribution
+- use middle strips for gauge and LED routing
+- isolate the HV5812P pin rows heavily with track cuts
+- use lower-right strips only for the VFD output area and `VPP`
+
+## Suggested Connector Edge Placement
+
+If you want the board to be easy to service:
+
+- put Mega and ESP32 headers on the left edge
+- put gauge and LED connectors on the bottom edge
+- put VFD and high-voltage terminals on the right edge
+
+That way:
+
+- low-voltage control cables enter from the left and bottom
+- high-voltage VFD wires leave only on the right
+
+## Minimum Clearance Advice
+
+On stripboard, do not pack the `VPP` and VFD output terminals tightly against the low-voltage headers.
+
+Practical suggestion:
+
+- leave at least several empty holes / one empty strip region between the HV5812 logic-side routing and the `VPP` / VFD connector zone
+- if you have room, leave more than that
+
+More separation is better than a dense layout here.

VFDStandalone/Pinout.md

@@ -0,0 +1,56 @@
+# Pinout
+
+This project uses an Arduino Mega 2560 with an `HV5812P` high-voltage shift register / latch driver.
+
+The sketch in [VFDStandalone.ino](/home/adebaumann/development/arduino_gauge_controller/VFDStandalone/VFDStandalone.ino:1) currently expects these logic connections.
+
+## Arduino Mega 2560 -> HV5812P
+
+| Mega Pin | Mega Function | HV5812P Signal | Notes |
+|---|---|---|---|
+| `D51` | `MOSI` | `DATA` / `DIN` | Serial data into the HV5812P |
+| `D52` | `SCK` | `CLOCK` / `CLK` | Shift clock |
+| `D53` | `SS` | `LATCH` / `STROBE` | Transfers shifted bits to the outputs |
+| `D49` | GPIO | `BLANK` / `OE` | Optional. Set `kHvBlankPin = -1` in the sketch if unused |
+| `GND` | Ground | Logic `GND` | Mega and HV5812P logic ground must be common |
+
+## HV5812P Outputs -> VFD Tube
+
+| HV5812P Output | Function |
+|---|---|
+| `HVOut1` | Segment `A` |
+| `HVOut2` | Segment `B` |
+| `HVOut3` | Segment `C` |
+| `HVOut4` | Segment `D` |
+| `HVOut5` | Segment `E` |
+| `HVOut6` | Segment `F` |
+| `HVOut7` | Segment `G` |
+| `HVOut8` | Decimal point segment |
+| `HVOut9` | Alarm bell segment |
+| `HVOut10` | Digit grid 1 |
+| `HVOut11` | Digit grid 2 |
+| `HVOut12` | Digit grid 3 |
+| `HVOut13` | Digit grid 4 |
+| `HVOut14` | Indicator grid between digits 2 and 3 |
+
+## Serial Input Format
+
+Examples supported by the sketch:
+
+- `1234` -> digits only
+- `1234.` -> decimal point on
+- `1234!` -> alarm bell on
+- `1234.!` -> decimal point and alarm bell on
+
+## Power and Safety Notes
+
+- The Arduino `5V` pin is for the logic side only.
+- The HV5812P also needs its required logic supply and high-voltage supply per the datasheet.
+- The VFD filament, grid, and segment high-voltage wiring are separate from the Arduino logic pins.
+- Do not connect any high-voltage VFD node directly to the Arduino Mega.
+- If the blanking behavior is inverted on your board, change `kBlankActiveHigh` in the sketch.
+
+## Important
+
+This file names the functional signals on the `HV5812P`, not the package pin numbers.
+If you want a package-pin wiring table too, I can add one once you confirm the exact datasheet variant / package orientation you are using.

VFDStandalone/VFDStandalone.ino

@@ -0,0 +1,342 @@
+// Arduino Mega 2560 + HV5812P VFD driver
+//
+// Tube wiring:
+// - HVOut1..HVOut7  -> digit segments A..G
+// - HVOut8          -> decimal point segment on the indicator grid
+// - HVOut9          -> alarm bell segment on the indicator grid
+// - HVOut10..HVOut13 -> digits 1..4
+// - HVOut14         -> indicator grid between digits 2 and 3
+//
+// Send an integer over the USB serial port and it will be shown on the VFD.
+// Examples:
+//   42<newline>
+//   -17<newline>
+//   1234.<newline>   // enables the decimal point
+//   1234!<newline>   // enables the alarm bell
+//   1234.!<newline>  // enables both
+
+#include <Arduino.h>
+
+namespace {
+
+constexpr uint8_t kHvDataPin = 51;   // MOSI on Mega 2560
+constexpr uint8_t kHvClockPin = 52;  // SCK on Mega 2560
+constexpr uint8_t kHvLatchPin = 53;  // User-configurable latch/strobe pin
+constexpr int8_t kHvBlankPin = 49;   // Set to -1 if BL/OE is not connected
+constexpr bool kBlankActiveHigh = true;
+
+constexpr unsigned long kSerialBaud = 115200;
+constexpr unsigned long kDigitHoldMicros = 2000;
+
+constexpr uint8_t kDigitCount = 4;
+constexpr uint8_t kSegmentCount = 7;
+constexpr uint8_t kDriverBits = 20;
+
+constexpr uint8_t kSegmentStartBit = 0;  // HVOut1 -> bit 0
+constexpr uint8_t kPointSegmentBit = 7;  // HVOut8 -> bit 7
+constexpr uint8_t kBellSegmentBit = 8;   // HVOut9 -> bit 8
+constexpr uint8_t kGridStartBit = 9;     // HVOut10 -> bit 9
+constexpr uint8_t kIndicatorGridBit = 13;  // HVOut14 -> bit 13
+
+char g_displayBuffer[kDigitCount] = {' ', ' ', ' ', ' '};
+char g_inputBuffer[16];
+uint8_t g_inputLength = 0;
+bool g_pointEnabled = false;
+bool g_bellEnabled = false;
+uint8_t g_rawOutput = 0;
+
+// Seven-segment encoding order is A, B, C, D, E, F, G.
+uint8_t encodeCharacter(char c) {
+  switch (c) {
+    case '0': return 0b0111111;
+    case '1': return 0b0000110;
+    case '2': return 0b1011011;
+    case '3': return 0b1001111;
+    case '4': return 0b1100110;
+    case '5': return 0b1101101;
+    case '6': return 0b1111101;
+    case '7': return 0b0000111;
+    case '8': return 0b1111111;
+    case '9': return 0b1101111;
+    case 'A':
+    case 'a': return 0b1110111;
+    case 'B':
+    case 'b': return 0b1111100;
+    case 'C':
+    case 'c': return 0b0111001;
+    case 'D':
+    case 'd': return 0b1011110;
+    case 'E':
+    case 'e': return 0b1111001;
+    case 'F':
+    case 'f': return 0b1110001;
+    case '-': return 0b1000000;
+    default: return 0;
+  }
+}
+
+void shiftDriverWord(uint32_t word) {
+  digitalWrite(kHvLatchPin, HIGH);
+  digitalWrite(kHvClockPin, HIGH);
+
+  for (int8_t bit = kDriverBits - 1; bit >= 0; --bit) {
+    digitalWrite(kHvDataPin, (word >> bit) & 0x1U ? HIGH : LOW);
+    digitalWrite(kHvClockPin, LOW);
+    digitalWrite(kHvClockPin, HIGH);
+  }
+
+  digitalWrite(kHvLatchPin, LOW);
+  digitalWrite(kHvLatchPin, HIGH);
+}
+
+void setDisplayBlanked(bool blanked) {
+  if (kHvBlankPin < 0) {
+    return;
+  }
+
+  const bool level = kBlankActiveHigh ? blanked : !blanked;
+  digitalWrite(kHvBlankPin, level ? HIGH : LOW);
+}
+
+void blankDisplay() {
+  shiftDriverWord(0);
+}
+
+uint32_t maskForHvOutput(uint8_t hvOutput) {
+  if (hvOutput == 0 || hvOutput > kDriverBits) {
+    return 0;
+  }
+
+  return 1UL << (hvOutput - 1);
+}
+
+void renderDigit(uint8_t digitIndex) {
+  uint32_t word = 0;
+  const uint8_t segments = encodeCharacter(g_displayBuffer[digitIndex]);
+
+  for (uint8_t segment = 0; segment < kSegmentCount; ++segment) {
+    if ((segments >> segment) & 0x1U) {
+      word |= (1UL << (kSegmentStartBit + segment));
+    }
+  }
+
+  word |= (1UL << (kGridStartBit + digitIndex));
+  shiftDriverWord(word);
+}
+
+void renderIndicator() {
+  uint32_t word = 1UL << kIndicatorGridBit;
+
+  if (g_pointEnabled) {
+    word |= 1UL << kPointSegmentBit;
+  }
+
+  if (g_bellEnabled) {
+    word |= 1UL << kBellSegmentBit;
+  }
+
+  shiftDriverWord(word);
+}
+
+void writeTextToDisplay(const char* text) {
+  for (uint8_t i = 0; i < kDigitCount; ++i) {
+    g_displayBuffer[i] = ' ';
+  }
+
+  size_t len = strlen(text);
+  if (len > kDigitCount) {
+    text += len - kDigitCount;
+    len = kDigitCount;
+  }
+
+  const uint8_t start = kDigitCount - len;
+  for (uint8_t i = 0; i < len; ++i) {
+    g_displayBuffer[start + i] = text[i];
+  }
+}
+
+void setDisplayFromNumber(long value) {
+  char buffer[16];
+  ltoa(value, buffer, 10);
+  writeTextToDisplay(buffer);
+}
+
+bool parseDisplayCommand(const char* input,
+                         char* displayText,
+                         size_t displayTextSize,
+                         bool& pointEnabled,
+                         bool& bellEnabled) {
+  size_t inputIndex = 0;
+  size_t displayIndex = 0;
+
+  if (input[inputIndex] == '-') {
+    if (displayIndex + 1 >= displayTextSize) {
+      return false;
+    }
+    displayText[displayIndex++] = input[inputIndex++];
+  }
+
+  const size_t digitStart = inputIndex;
+  while (isxdigit(static_cast<unsigned char>(input[inputIndex]))) {
+    if (displayIndex + 1 >= displayTextSize) {
+      return false;
+    }
+    displayText[displayIndex] = toupper(static_cast<unsigned char>(input[inputIndex]));
+    ++displayIndex;
+    ++inputIndex;
+  }
+
+  if (inputIndex == digitStart) {
+    return false;
+  }
+
+  pointEnabled = false;
+  bellEnabled = false;
+
+  while (input[inputIndex] != '\0') {
+    if (input[inputIndex] == '.') {
+      pointEnabled = true;
+    } else if (input[inputIndex] == '!') {
+      bellEnabled = true;
+    } else {
+      return false;
+    }
+    ++inputIndex;
+  }
+
+  displayText[displayIndex] = '\0';
+  return true;
+}
+
+bool parseRawOutputCommand(const char* input, uint8_t& hvOutput) {
+  if (strncmp(input, "RAW ", 4) != 0) {
+    return false;
+  }
+
+  char* endPtr = nullptr;
+  const long parsed = strtol(input + 4, &endPtr, 10);
+  if (*endPtr != '\0' || parsed < 0 || parsed > kDriverBits) {
+    return false;
+  }
+
+  hvOutput = static_cast<uint8_t>(parsed);
+  return true;
+}
+
+void commitSerialBuffer() {
+  if (g_inputLength == 0) {
+    return;
+  }
+
+  g_inputBuffer[g_inputLength] = '\0';
+
+  uint8_t rawOutput = 0;
+  if (parseRawOutputCommand(g_inputBuffer, rawOutput)) {
+    g_rawOutput = rawOutput;
+    if (g_rawOutput == 0) {
+      Serial.println(F("RAW mode OFF"));
+    } else {
+      Serial.print(F("RAW mode: HVOUT"));
+      Serial.println(g_rawOutput);
+    }
+    g_inputLength = 0;
+    return;
+  }
+
+  char displayText[16];
+  bool pointEnabled = false;
+  bool bellEnabled = false;
+  if (parseDisplayCommand(g_inputBuffer, displayText, sizeof(displayText), pointEnabled, bellEnabled)) {
+    g_rawOutput = 0;
+    writeTextToDisplay(displayText);
+    g_pointEnabled = pointEnabled;
+    g_bellEnabled = bellEnabled;
+    Serial.print(F("Displaying: "));
+    Serial.println(displayText);
+    Serial.print(F("Point: "));
+    Serial.println(g_pointEnabled ? F("ON") : F("OFF"));
+    Serial.print(F("Bell: "));
+    Serial.println(g_bellEnabled ? F("ON") : F("OFF"));
+  } else {
+    Serial.print(F("Ignored invalid input: "));
+    Serial.println(g_inputBuffer);
+  }
+
+  g_inputLength = 0;
+}
+
+void pollSerial() {
+  while (Serial.available() > 0) {
+    const char incoming = static_cast<char>(Serial.read());
+
+    if (incoming == '\r' || incoming == '\n') {
+      commitSerialBuffer();
+      continue;
+    }
+
+    if (incoming == '\b' || incoming == 127) {
+      if (g_inputLength > 0) {
+        --g_inputLength;
+      }
+      continue;
+    }
+
+    if (g_inputLength < sizeof(g_inputBuffer) - 1) {
+      g_inputBuffer[g_inputLength++] = incoming;
+    }
+  }
+}
+
+void refreshDisplay() {
+  if (g_rawOutput != 0) {
+    setDisplayBlanked(true);
+    shiftDriverWord(maskForHvOutput(g_rawOutput));
+    setDisplayBlanked(false);
+    delayMicroseconds(kDigitHoldMicros);
+    return;
+  }
+
+  static uint8_t currentPhase = 0;
+
+  setDisplayBlanked(true);
+  if (currentPhase < kDigitCount) {
+    renderDigit(currentPhase);
+  } else if (g_pointEnabled || g_bellEnabled) {
+    renderIndicator();
+  } else {
+    blankDisplay();
+  }
+  setDisplayBlanked(false);
+  delayMicroseconds(kDigitHoldMicros);
+  setDisplayBlanked(true);
+
+  currentPhase = (currentPhase + 1) % (kDigitCount + 1);
+}
+
+}  // namespace
+
+void setup() {
+  pinMode(kHvDataPin, OUTPUT);
+  pinMode(kHvClockPin, OUTPUT);
+  pinMode(kHvLatchPin, OUTPUT);
+  if (kHvBlankPin >= 0) {
+    pinMode(kHvBlankPin, OUTPUT);
+  }
+
+  digitalWrite(kHvDataPin, LOW);
+  digitalWrite(kHvClockPin, HIGH);
+  digitalWrite(kHvLatchPin, HIGH);
+  setDisplayBlanked(true);
+
+  Serial.begin(kSerialBaud);
+  writeTextToDisplay("0");
+  blankDisplay();
+
+  Serial.println(F("HV5812P VFD controller ready."));
+  Serial.println(F("Send an integer followed by newline."));
+}
+
+void loop() {
+  pollSerial();
+  refreshDisplay();
+}

boot.py

@@ -0,0 +1,62 @@
+"""
+boot.py — runs before main.py on every ESP32 boot
+
+Connects WiFi, runs OTA update, then hands off to main.py.
+Keep this file as simple as possible — it is never OTA-updated itself
+(it lives outside the repo folder) so bugs here require USB to fix.
+"""
+#import gauge
+import network
+import gc
+import utime
+import sys
+
+import ota
+
+ota.load_config()
+WIFI_SSID, WIFI_PASSWORD = ota.WIFI_SSID, ota.WIFI_PASSWORD
+
+def _connect_wifi(timeout_s=20):
+    sta = network.WLAN(network.STA_IF)
+    sta.active(True)
+    sta.config(txpower=15)
+    if sta.isconnected():
+        return True
+    sta.connect(WIFI_SSID, WIFI_PASSWORD)
+    deadline = utime.time() + timeout_s
+    while not sta.isconnected():
+        if utime.time() > deadline:
+            return False
+        utime.sleep_ms(300)
+    return True
+
+if WIFI_SSID is None:
+    print("[boot] No WiFi credentials — cannot connect, skipping OTA")
+elif _connect_wifi():
+    ip = network.WLAN(network.STA_IF).ifconfig()[0]
+    print(f"[boot] WiFi connected — {ip}")
+
+    try:
+        ota.update()
+    except Exception as e:
+        print(f"[boot] OTA error: {e} — continuing with existing files")
+        sys.print_exception(e)
+    utime.sleep_ms(5000)
+    ota._fetch_commit_sha = None
+    ota._fetch_manifest = None
+    ota._fetch_dir = None
+    ota._api_get = None
+    ota._download = None
+    ota.urequests = None
+    del ota.urequests
+    del ota
+    gc.collect()
+    del sys.modules["ota"]
+    gc.collect()
+
+else:
+    print("[boot] WiFi failed — skipping OTA, booting with existing files")
+
+# main.py runs automatically after boot.py
+
+

gauge.py

@@ -151,19 +151,27 @@ ARDUINO_TX_PIN = int(_cfg.get("arduino_tx_pin", 17))
 ARDUINO_RX_PIN = int(_cfg.get("arduino_rx_pin", 16))
 ARDUINO_BAUD = int(_cfg.get("arduino_baud", 115200))
 
+_arduino = None
+
+
+def _ensure_arduino():
+    global _arduino
+    if _arduino is None:
         _arduino = UART(ARDUINO_UART_ID, baudrate=ARDUINO_BAUD, tx=ARDUINO_TX_PIN, rx=ARDUINO_RX_PIN, timeout=10)
+    return _arduino
 
 
 def arduino_send(cmd):
     """Send a newline-terminated command to the Arduino."""
-    _arduino.write((cmd + "\n").encode())
+    _ensure_arduino().write((cmd + "\n").encode())
     info(f"Arduino → {cmd}")
 
 
 def arduino_recv():
     """Print any lines waiting in the Arduino RX buffer."""
-    while _arduino.any():
+    uart = _ensure_arduino()
-        line = _arduino.readline()
+    while uart.any():
+        line = uart.readline()
         if line:
             print(f"[{_ts()}] ARDU   {line.decode().strip()}")
 
@@ -293,6 +301,34 @@ _status_red_effect  = [None] * num_gauges
 _status_green_effect= [None] * num_gauges
 _bl_effect          = [None] * num_gauges
 
+vfd_text = ""
+vfd_decimal_point = False
+vfd_alarm = False
+
+
+def _build_vfd_command():
+    suffix = ""
+    if vfd_decimal_point:
+        suffix += "."
+    if vfd_alarm:
+        suffix += "!"
+
+    if vfd_text:
+        return f"VFD {vfd_text}{suffix}"
+    if suffix:
+        return f"VFD 0{suffix}"
+    return "VFD"
+
+
+def send_vfd_state():
+    arduino_send(_build_vfd_command())
+
+
+def publish_vfd_state(client):
+    client.publish(vfd_topics["state"], vfd_text, retain=True)
+    client.publish(vfd_topics["decimal_point_state"], b"ON" if vfd_decimal_point else b"OFF", retain=True)
+    client.publish(vfd_topics["alarm_state"], b"ON" if vfd_alarm else b"OFF", retain=True)
+
 
 def _backlight_changed(gauge_idx, new_color, new_on, new_brightness):
     return (
@@ -356,6 +392,53 @@ def publish_backlight_states(client):
             log_err(f"Backlight state publish failed for gauge {i}: {e}")
 
 
+def restore_backlight_state(gauge_idx, payload):
+    """Restore retained backlight state without republishing it back to MQTT."""
+    global backlight_color, backlight_brightness, backlight_on, _bl_effect
+
+    try:
+        data = ujson.loads(payload)
+    except Exception as e:
+        warn(f"Invalid retained backlight state for gauge {gauge_idx}: '{payload}' ({e})")
+        return
+
+    state_on = data.get("state", "OFF").upper() != "OFF"
+    effect = data.get("effect")
+    if effect not in _EFFECTS:
+        effect = None
+
+    if not state_on:
+        _bl_effect[gauge_idx] = None
+        backlight_on[gauge_idx] = False
+        set_backlight_brightness(gauge_idx, 0)
+        return
+
+    color = data.get("color", {})
+    r = max(0, min(255, int(color.get("r", backlight_color[gauge_idx][0]))))
+    g = max(0, min(255, int(color.get("g", backlight_color[gauge_idx][1]))))
+    b = max(0, min(255, int(color.get("b", backlight_color[gauge_idx][2]))))
+    raw_br = data.get("brightness", None)
+    if raw_br is not None:
+        brightness = max(0, min(100, round(int(raw_br) / 2.55)))
+    elif backlight_brightness[gauge_idx] > 0:
+        brightness = backlight_brightness[gauge_idx]
+    else:
+        brightness = 100
+
+    _bl_effect[gauge_idx] = effect
+    if effect:
+        scale = brightness / 100
+        rs = int(r * scale)
+        gs = int(g * scale)
+        bs_ = int(b * scale)
+        _send_effect(gauge_idx, _LED_BACKLIGHT_RANGE, (rs, gs, bs_), effect)
+        backlight_color[gauge_idx] = (r, g, b)
+        backlight_brightness[gauge_idx] = brightness
+        backlight_on[gauge_idx] = True
+    else:
+        set_backlight_color(gauge_idx, r, g, b, brightness)
+
+
 def _flush_backlight_state():
     global _bl_dirty_since
     if _bl_dirty_since is None:
@@ -419,6 +502,18 @@ def make_gauge_topics(prefix, gauge_id):
 
 gauge_topics = [make_gauge_topics(MQTT_PREFIX, g["id"]) for g in gauges]
 
+vfd_topics = {
+    "set": f"{MQTT_PREFIX}/vfd/set",
+    "state": f"{MQTT_PREFIX}/vfd/state",
+    "disc": f"homeassistant/text/{MQTT_CLIENT_ID}_vfd/config",
+    "decimal_point": f"{MQTT_PREFIX}/vfd/decimal_point/set",
+    "decimal_point_state": f"{MQTT_PREFIX}/vfd/decimal_point/state",
+    "decimal_point_disc": f"homeassistant/switch/{MQTT_CLIENT_ID}_vfd_decimal_point/config",
+    "alarm": f"{MQTT_PREFIX}/vfd/alarm/set",
+    "alarm_state": f"{MQTT_PREFIX}/vfd/alarm/state",
+    "alarm_disc": f"homeassistant/switch/{MQTT_CLIENT_ID}_vfd_alarm/config",
+}
+
 T_SET = f"{MQTT_PREFIX}/set"
 T_ZERO = f"{MQTT_PREFIX}/zero"
 
@@ -437,32 +532,60 @@ _DEVICE = {
 _wifi_check_interval_ms = 30000
 _last_wifi_check = 0
 _wifi_sta = None
+_WIFI_CONNECT_ATTEMPTS = 3
 
 
-def connect_wifi(ssid, password, timeout_s=15):
+def _reset_wifi_interface():
     global _wifi_sta
     _wifi_sta = network.WLAN(network.STA_IF)
+    if not _wifi_sta.active():
         _wifi_sta.active(True)
-    if _wifi_sta.isconnected():
+        utime.sleep_ms(500)
+    try:
+        _wifi_sta.disconnect()
+    except Exception:
+        pass
+    utime.sleep_ms(1000)
+
+
+def connect_wifi(ssid, password, timeout_s=15, force_reconnect=False):
+    global _wifi_sta
+    _wifi_sta = network.WLAN(network.STA_IF)
+
+    if _wifi_sta.isconnected() and not force_reconnect:
         ip, mask, gw, dns = _wifi_sta.ifconfig()
         info("WiFi already connected")
         info(f"  IP:{ip}  mask:{mask}  gw:{gw}  dns:{dns}")
+        utime.sleep_ms(250)
         return ip
-    info(f"WiFi connecting to '{ssid}' ...")
+
+    last_error = None
+    for attempt in range(_WIFI_CONNECT_ATTEMPTS):
+        info(f"WiFi connecting to '{ssid}' (attempt {attempt + 1}/{_WIFI_CONNECT_ATTEMPTS}) ...")
+        if not _wifi_sta.isconnected():
+            _reset_wifi_interface()
+        try:
             _wifi_sta.connect(ssid, password)
             deadline = utime.time() + timeout_s
             while not _wifi_sta.isconnected():
                 if utime.time() > deadline:
-            log_err(f"WiFi connect timeout after {timeout_s}s")
                     raise OSError("WiFi connect timeout")
-        utime.sleep_ms(200)
+                utime.sleep_ms(250)
+
             ip, mask, gw, dns = _wifi_sta.ifconfig()
             mac = ":".join(f"{b:02x}" for b in _wifi_sta.config("mac"))
             info("WiFi connected!")
             info(f"  SSID    : {ssid}")
             info(f"  MAC     : {mac}")
             info(f"  IP      : {ip}  mask:{mask}  gw:{gw}  dns:{dns}")
+            utime.sleep_ms(2000)
             return ip
+        except Exception as e:
+            last_error = e
+            log_err(f"WiFi connect attempt {attempt + 1} failed: {e}")
+            utime.sleep_ms(1000)
+
+    raise last_error
 
 
 def check_wifi():
@@ -480,15 +603,7 @@ def check_wifi():
 
     log_err("WiFi lost connection — attempting reconnect...")
     try:
-        _wifi_sta.active(True)
+        ip = connect_wifi(WIFI_SSID, WIFI_PASSWORD, timeout_s=15)
-        _wifi_sta.connect(WIFI_SSID, WIFI_PASSWORD)
-        deadline = utime.time() + 15
-        while not _wifi_sta.isconnected():
-            if utime.time() > deadline:
-                log_err("WiFi reconnect timeout")
-                return
-            utime.sleep_ms(200)
-        ip, mask, gw, dns = _wifi_sta.ifconfig()
         info(f"WiFi reconnected! IP:{ip}")
     except Exception as e:
         log_err(f"WiFi reconnect failed: {e}")
@@ -500,13 +615,41 @@ def check_wifi():
 
 
 def on_message(topic, payload):
+    global vfd_text, vfd_decimal_point, vfd_alarm
+
     if client_ref is None:
         return
     topic = topic.decode()
     payload = payload.decode().strip()
     info(f"MQTT rx  {topic}  {payload}")
 
+    if topic == vfd_topics["set"]:
+        vfd_text = payload.upper()
+        send_vfd_state()
+        publish_vfd_state(client_ref)
+        info(f"VFD text -> {vfd_text}")
+        return
+
+    if topic == vfd_topics["decimal_point"]:
+        vfd_decimal_point = payload.upper() == "ON"
+        send_vfd_state()
+        publish_vfd_state(client_ref)
+        info(f"VFD decimal point -> {'ON' if vfd_decimal_point else 'OFF'}")
+        return
+
+    if topic == vfd_topics["alarm"]:
+        vfd_alarm = payload.upper() == "ON"
+        send_vfd_state()
+        publish_vfd_state(client_ref)
+        info(f"VFD alarm -> {'ON' if vfd_alarm else 'OFF'}")
+        return
+
     for i, gt in enumerate(gauge_topics):
+        if topic == gt["led_bl_state"]:
+            restore_backlight_state(i, payload)
+            info(f"Gauge {i} backlight state restored")
+            return
+
         if topic == gt["zero"]:
             info(f"Home command received for gauge {i}")
             gauge_home(i)
@@ -723,6 +866,9 @@ def on_message(topic, payload):
 def _subscribe_all(c):
     c.subscribe(f"{MQTT_PREFIX}/set")
     c.subscribe(f"{MQTT_PREFIX}/zero")
+    c.subscribe(vfd_topics["set"])
+    c.subscribe(vfd_topics["decimal_point"])
+    c.subscribe(vfd_topics["alarm"])
     for i in range(num_gauges):
         prefix = f"{MQTT_PREFIX}/gauge{i}"
         c.subscribe(f"{prefix}/set")
@@ -732,6 +878,7 @@ def _subscribe_all(c):
         c.subscribe(f"{prefix}/led/red/set")
         c.subscribe(f"{prefix}/led/green/set")
         c.subscribe(f"{prefix}/led/backlight/set")
+        c.subscribe(f"{prefix}/led/backlight/state")
         c.subscribe(f"{prefix}/status_led/red/set")
         c.subscribe(f"{prefix}/status_led/green/set")
 
@@ -739,6 +886,16 @@ def _subscribe_all(c):
 def connect_mqtt():
     global client_ref, _mqtt_connected
     info(f"Connecting to MQTT broker {MQTT_BROKER}:{MQTT_PORT} ...")
+    last_error = None
+    for attempt in range(3):
+        gc.collect()
+        try:
+            if client_ref is not None:
+                try:
+                    client_ref.disconnect()
+                except Exception:
+                    pass
+
             client = MQTTClient(
                 client_id=MQTT_CLIENT_ID,
                 server=MQTT_BROKER,
@@ -752,14 +909,15 @@ def connect_mqtt():
             client_ref = client
             _mqtt_connected = True
             info(f"MQTT connected  client_id={MQTT_CLIENT_ID}")
+            return
+        except Exception as e:
+            last_error = e
+            log_err(f"MQTT connect attempt {attempt + 1} failed: {type(e).__name__}: {e}")
+            gc.collect()
+            utime.sleep_ms(1000)
 
-
+    _mqtt_connected = False
-_mqtt_check_interval_ms = 30000
+    raise last_error
-_last_mqtt_check = 0
-_discovery_phases = ()
-_discovery_phase_idx = 0
-_last_discovery_ms = 0
-_DISCOVERY_INTERVAL_MS = 500
 
 
 def check_mqtt():
@@ -803,29 +961,32 @@ def check_mqtt():
             return True
         except Exception as e2:
             log_err(f"MQTT reconnect attempt {attempt + 1} failed: {e2}")
+            gc.collect()
             utime.sleep_ms(2000)
 
     log_err("MQTT reconnection failed after 3 attempts")
     return False
 
 
-def _discovery_pause(client, count=5, delay_ms=25):
+_mqtt_check_interval_ms = 30000
-    for _ in range(count):
+_last_mqtt_check = 0
-        client.check_msg()
+_discovery_queue = []
-        utime.sleep_ms(delay_ms)
+_discovery_idx = 0
-    gc.collect()
+_last_discovery_ms = 0
+_DISCOVERY_INTERVAL_MS = 350
 
 
 def _publish_discovery_entity(client, topic, payload, log_msg):
+    gc.collect()
     client.publish(topic, ujson.dumps(payload), retain=True)
     info(log_msg)
 
 
-def _publish_gauge_discovery(client, dev_ref):
+def _append_gauge_discovery(entries, dev_ref):
     for i, g in enumerate(gauges):
         gt = gauge_topics[i]
-        _publish_discovery_entity(
+        entries.append(
-            client,
+            (
                 gt["disc"],
                 {
                     "name": g["entity_name"],
@@ -842,14 +1003,14 @@ def _publish_gauge_discovery(client, dev_ref):
                 },
                 f"Discovery: gauge {i} ({g['name']})",
             )
-    _discovery_pause(client)
+        )
 
 
-def _publish_speed_discovery(client, dev_ref):
+def _append_speed_discovery(entries, dev_ref):
     for i, g in enumerate(gauges):
         gt = gauge_topics[i]
-        _publish_discovery_entity(
+        entries.append(
-            client,
+            (
                 gt["speed_disc"],
                 {
                     "name": f"{g['name']} Speed",
@@ -868,14 +1029,14 @@ def _publish_speed_discovery(client, dev_ref):
                 },
                 f"Discovery: gauge {i} speed",
             )
-    _discovery_pause(client)
+        )
 
 
-def _publish_acceleration_discovery(client, dev_ref):
+def _append_acceleration_discovery(entries, dev_ref):
     for i, g in enumerate(gauges):
         gt = gauge_topics[i]
-        _publish_discovery_entity(
+        entries.append(
-            client,
+            (
                 gt["acceleration_disc"],
                 {
                     "name": f"{g['name']} Acceleration",
@@ -894,14 +1055,14 @@ def _publish_acceleration_discovery(client, dev_ref):
                 },
                 f"Discovery: gauge {i} acceleration",
             )
-    _discovery_pause(client)
+        )
 
 
-def _publish_indicator_led_discovery(client, dev_ref):
+def _append_indicator_led_discovery(entries, dev_ref):
     for i, g in enumerate(gauges):
         gt = gauge_topics[i]
-        _publish_discovery_entity(
+        entries.append(
-            client,
+            (
                 gt["led_red_disc"],
                 {
                     "name": f"{g['name']} Dial Red LED",
@@ -918,9 +1079,9 @@ def _publish_indicator_led_discovery(client, dev_ref):
                 },
                 f"Discovery: gauge {i} red LED",
             )
-
+        )
-        _publish_discovery_entity(
+        entries.append(
-            client,
+            (
                 gt["led_green_disc"],
                 {
                     "name": f"{g['name']} Dial Green LED",
@@ -937,14 +1098,14 @@ def _publish_indicator_led_discovery(client, dev_ref):
                 },
                 f"Discovery: gauge {i} green LED",
             )
-    _discovery_pause(client)
+        )
 
 
-def _publish_backlight_status_discovery(client, dev_ref):
+def _append_backlight_status_discovery(entries, dev_ref):
     for i, g in enumerate(gauges):
         gt = gauge_topics[i]
-        _publish_discovery_entity(
+        entries.append(
-            client,
+            (
                 gt["led_bl_disc"],
                 {
                     "name": f"{g['name']} Backlight",
@@ -961,9 +1122,9 @@ def _publish_backlight_status_discovery(client, dev_ref):
                 },
                 f"Discovery: gauge {i} backlight",
             )
-
+        )
-        _publish_discovery_entity(
+        entries.append(
-            client,
+            (
                 gt["status_red_disc"],
                 {
                     "name": f"{g['name']} Channel Status Red",
@@ -980,9 +1141,9 @@ def _publish_backlight_status_discovery(client, dev_ref):
                 },
                 f"Discovery: gauge {i} status red",
             )
-
+        )
-        _publish_discovery_entity(
+        entries.append(
-            client,
+            (
                 gt["status_green_disc"],
                 {
                     "name": f"{g['name']} Channel Status Green",
@@ -999,47 +1160,78 @@ def _publish_backlight_status_discovery(client, dev_ref):
                 },
                 f"Discovery: gauge {i} status green",
             )
-    _discovery_pause(client)
+        )
 
 
-def publish_discovery(client):
+def _append_vfd_discovery(entries, dev_ref):
-    """Publish all HA MQTT discovery payloads for gauges and LEDs."""
+    entries.append(
-    _dev_ref = _DEVICE
+        (
-
+            vfd_topics["disc"],
-    # Clear any previously registered switch entities (migration to light).
+            {
-    for i in range(num_gauges):
+                "name": "VFD Display",
-        for old_t in [
+                "unique_id": f"{MQTT_CLIENT_ID}_vfd",
-            f"homeassistant/switch/{MQTT_CLIENT_ID}_g{i}_red/config",
+                "cmd_t": vfd_topics["set"],
-            f"homeassistant/switch/{MQTT_CLIENT_ID}_g{i}_green/config",
+                "stat_t": vfd_topics["state"],
-            f"homeassistant/switch/{MQTT_CLIENT_ID}_g{i}_status_red/config",
+                "avty_t": gauge_topics[0]["status"],
-            f"homeassistant/switch/{MQTT_CLIENT_ID}_g{i}_status_green/config",
+                "icon": "mdi:alpha-box",
-        ]:
+                "dev": dev_ref,
-            client.publish(old_t, b"", retain=True)
+            },
-        _discovery_pause(client, count=2, delay_ms=15)
+            "Discovery: VFD text",
-
+        )
-    _publish_gauge_discovery(client, _dev_ref)
+    )
-    _publish_speed_discovery(client, _dev_ref)
+    entries.append(
-    _publish_acceleration_discovery(client, _dev_ref)
+        (
-    _publish_indicator_led_discovery(client, _dev_ref)
+            vfd_topics["decimal_point_disc"],
-    _publish_backlight_status_discovery(client, _dev_ref)
+            {
+                "name": "VFD Decimal Point",
+                "unique_id": f"{MQTT_CLIENT_ID}_vfd_decimal_point",
+                "cmd_t": vfd_topics["decimal_point"],
+                "stat_t": vfd_topics["decimal_point_state"],
+                "avty_t": gauge_topics[0]["status"],
+                "pl_on": "ON",
+                "pl_off": "OFF",
+                "icon": "mdi:circle-small",
+                "dev": dev_ref,
+            },
+            "Discovery: VFD decimal point",
+        )
+    )
+    entries.append(
+        (
+            vfd_topics["alarm_disc"],
+            {
+                "name": "VFD Alarm",
+                "unique_id": f"{MQTT_CLIENT_ID}_vfd_alarm",
+                "cmd_t": vfd_topics["alarm"],
+                "stat_t": vfd_topics["alarm_state"],
+                "avty_t": gauge_topics[0]["status"],
+                "pl_on": "ON",
+                "pl_off": "OFF",
+                "icon": "mdi:alarm-bell",
+                "dev": dev_ref,
+            },
+            "Discovery: VFD alarm",
+        )
+    )
 
 
 def schedule_discovery():
-    global _discovery_phases, _discovery_phase_idx, _last_discovery_ms
+    global _discovery_queue, _discovery_idx, _last_discovery_ms
     _dev_ref = _DEVICE
-    _discovery_phases = (
+    entries = []
-        lambda client: _clear_legacy_discovery(client),
+    _append_legacy_discovery(entries)
-        lambda client: _publish_gauge_discovery(client, _dev_ref),
+    _append_gauge_discovery(entries, _dev_ref)
-        lambda client: _publish_speed_discovery(client, _dev_ref),
+    _append_speed_discovery(entries, _dev_ref)
-        lambda client: _publish_acceleration_discovery(client, _dev_ref),
+    _append_acceleration_discovery(entries, _dev_ref)
-        lambda client: _publish_indicator_led_discovery(client, _dev_ref),
+    _append_indicator_led_discovery(entries, _dev_ref)
-        lambda client: _publish_backlight_status_discovery(client, _dev_ref),
+    _append_backlight_status_discovery(entries, _dev_ref)
-    )
+    _append_vfd_discovery(entries, _dev_ref)
-    _discovery_phase_idx = 0
+    _discovery_queue = entries
+    _discovery_idx = 0
     _last_discovery_ms = 0
 
 
-def _clear_legacy_discovery(client):
+def _append_legacy_discovery(entries):
     for i in range(num_gauges):
         for old_t in [
             f"homeassistant/switch/{MQTT_CLIENT_ID}_g{i}_red/config",
@@ -1047,22 +1239,30 @@ def _clear_legacy_discovery(client):
             f"homeassistant/switch/{MQTT_CLIENT_ID}_g{i}_status_red/config",
             f"homeassistant/switch/{MQTT_CLIENT_ID}_g{i}_status_green/config",
         ]:
-            client.publish(old_t, b"", retain=True)
+            entries.append((old_t, b"", None))
-        _discovery_pause(client, count=2, delay_ms=15)
 
 
 def service_discovery():
-    global _discovery_phase_idx, _last_discovery_ms
+    global _discovery_idx, _last_discovery_ms
-    if client_ref is None or _discovery_phase_idx >= len(_discovery_phases):
+    if client_ref is None or _discovery_idx >= len(_discovery_queue):
         return
 
     now = utime.ticks_ms()
     if _last_discovery_ms and utime.ticks_diff(now, _last_discovery_ms) < _DISCOVERY_INTERVAL_MS:
         return
 
-    _discovery_phases[_discovery_phase_idx](client_ref)
+    gc.collect()
-    _discovery_phase_idx += 1
+    topic, payload, log_msg = _discovery_queue[_discovery_idx]
+    try:
+        if isinstance(payload, bytes):
+            client_ref.publish(topic, payload, retain=True)
+        else:
+            _publish_discovery_entity(client_ref, topic, payload, log_msg)
+    except Exception as e:
+        log_err(f"Discovery publish failed for {topic}: {e}")
+    _discovery_idx += 1
     _last_discovery_ms = utime.ticks_ms()
+    gc.collect()
 
 
 def publish_online(client):
@@ -1076,12 +1276,37 @@ def publish_state(client):
         client.publish(gt["state"], str(gauge_targets[i]))
         client.publish(gt["speed_state"], str(gauge_speeds[i]), retain=True)
         client.publish(gt["acceleration_state"], str(gauge_accelerations[i]), retain=True)
+    publish_vfd_state(client)
 
 
 def apply_motion_defaults():
     for i in range(num_gauges):
         gauge_set_speed(i, gauge_speeds[i])
         gauge_set_acceleration(i, gauge_accelerations[i])
+    send_vfd_state()
+
+
+def _restore_led_states():
+    for i in range(num_gauges):
+        gt = gauge_topics[i]
+        info(f"  red={_red_effect[i]} green={_green_effect[i]} status_r={_status_red_effect[i]} status_g={_status_green_effect[i]}")
+        for led_key, led_idx, color, effect_arr, state_topic in [
+            ("red", _LED_RED, gauges[i]["ws2812_red"], _red_effect, gt["led_red_state"]),
+            ("green", _LED_GREEN, gauges[i]["ws2812_green"], _green_effect, gt["led_green_state"]),
+            ("status_red", _LED_STATUS_RED, gauges[i]["ws2812_red"], _status_red_effect, gt["status_red_state"]),
+            ("status_green", _LED_STATUS_GREEN, gauges[i]["ws2812_green"], _status_green_effect, gt["status_green_state"]),
+        ]:
+            if effect_arr[i]:
+                pub = {"state": "ON", "effect": effect_arr[i]}
+                _publish(state_topic, ujson.dumps(pub), retain=True)
+        if _red_effect[i]:
+            _apply_blink_or_led(i, _LED_RED, gauges[i]["ws2812_red"], _red_effect[i])
+        if _green_effect[i]:
+            _apply_blink_or_led(i, _LED_GREEN, gauges[i]["ws2812_green"], _green_effect[i])
+        if _status_red_effect[i]:
+            _apply_blink_or_led(i, _LED_STATUS_RED, gauges[i]["ws2812_red"], _status_red_effect[i])
+        if _status_green_effect[i]:
+            _apply_blink_or_led(i, _LED_STATUS_GREEN, gauges[i]["ws2812_green"], _status_green_effect[i])
 
 
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -1090,16 +1315,41 @@ def apply_motion_defaults():
 
 
 def main():
+    gc.collect()
+    _w = network.WLAN(network.STA_IF)
+    if not _w.active():
+        _w.active(True)
+    del _w
+    gc.collect()
+    _ensure_arduino()
+    gc.collect()
     info("=" * 48)
     info("Gauge MQTT controller starting")
+    info(f"Heap free: {gc.mem_free()} bytes")
     info("=" * 48)
 
+    gc.collect()
     connect_wifi(WIFI_SSID, WIFI_PASSWORD)
 
+    mqtt_attempts = 0
+    while True:
+        try:
             connect_mqtt()
+            break
+        except Exception as e:
+            mqtt_attempts += 1
+            log_err(f"MQTT connect failed: {e} (attempt {mqtt_attempts})")
+            if mqtt_attempts % 3 == 0:
+                log_err("WiFi may be stale — forcing reconnect...")
+                try:
+                    connect_wifi(WIFI_SSID, WIFI_PASSWORD)
+                except Exception as we:
+                    log_err(f"WiFi reconnect failed: {we}")
+            utime.sleep_ms(5000)
     _subscribe_all(client_ref)
     schedule_discovery()
 
+    publish_backlight_states(client_ref)
     apply_motion_defaults()
     info("Draining initial retained messages...")
     for _ in range(50):
@@ -1112,6 +1362,10 @@ def main():
         gauge_last_rezero[i] = utime.ticks_ms()
     info("Home command sent")
 
+    utime.sleep_ms(100)
+    _restore_led_states()
+    info("LED effects restored")
+
     info("Publishing state...")
     publish_online(client_ref)
     publish_state(client_ref)

wiring.md

@@ -0,0 +1,275 @@
+# Wiring
+
+This document describes the wiring required for the current integrated system:
+
+- `Arduino Mega 2560`
+- `HV5812P` VFD driver
+- 4-digit VFD tube with decimal point and alarm bell
+- 3 stepper-driven gauges
+- WS2812B LEDs
+- ESP32 running `gauge.py` as the MQTT / Home Assistant bridge
+
+It is intentionally based on the code that is in the repository now:
+
+- [Gaugecontroller.ino](/home/adebaumann/development/arduino_gauge_controller/Gaugecontroller/Gaugecontroller.ino:1)
+- [gauge.py](/home/adebaumann/development/arduino_gauge_controller/gauge.py:1)
+
+## System Power
+
+You effectively have three power domains:
+
+1. `5V logic`
+   for the Arduino Mega logic, the HV5812 logic side, and usually the step/dir logic inputs
+2. `high voltage for the VFD`
+   for `HV5812P VPP` and the VFD segment/grid drive
+3. `motor / actuator power`
+   for the stepper gauges and their driver hardware
+
+Minimum common rule:
+
+- all logic grounds must be common
+
+That means these must share `GND`:
+
+- Arduino Mega `GND`
+- ESP32 `GND`
+- HV5812P logic `GND`
+- stepper driver logic `GND`
+- WS2812B `GND`
+
+The VFD high-voltage supply still references the same ground, but its high-voltage nodes must never be connected directly to Arduino or ESP32 GPIO pins.
+
+## Arduino Mega 2560
+
+Use the Mega as the central logic controller.
+
+Power:
+
+- `Mega 5V` <- regulated `5V` logic supply
+- `Mega GND` <- common logic ground
+
+Serial bridge to ESP32:
+
+- `Mega RX1` pin `19` <- `ESP32 TX` GPIO `17`
+- `Mega TX1` pin `18` -> voltage divider -> `ESP32 RX` GPIO `16`
+- `Mega GND` <-> `ESP32 GND`
+
+This matches the current code:
+
+- Arduino uses `Serial1` in [Gaugecontroller.ino](/home/adebaumann/development/arduino_gauge_controller/Gaugecontroller/Gaugecontroller.ino:12)
+- ESP32 uses `UART(1, tx=17, rx=16)` in [gauge.py](/home/adebaumann/development/arduino_gauge_controller/gauge.py:149)
+
+Because the Mega transmits `5V` logic and the ESP32 expects `3.3V` logic on RX, add a resistor divider on the `Mega TX1 -> ESP32 RX` line.
+
+Suggested simple divider:
+
+- `Mega TX1` -> `1 kOhm` resistor -> divider node
+- divider node -> `2 kOhm` resistor -> `GND`
+- divider node -> `ESP32 GPIO16 (RX)`
+
+That scales the Mega's `5V` TX signal to roughly `3.3V` for the ESP32 RX input.
+
+## VFD Control: Mega -> HV5812P
+
+These are the integrated pin assignments used by the merged controller:
+
+| Mega Pin | HV5812P Signal | Purpose |
+|---|---|---|
+| `D46` | `DATA IN / DIN` | serial data into HV5812P |
+| `D47` | `CLOCK / CLK` | shift clock |
+| `D48` | `STROBE / LATCH` | latch transfer |
+| `D49` | `BLANKING / OE` | output blanking |
+| `5V` | `VDD` | HV5812 logic supply |
+| `GND` | `GND` | common reference |
+| `VFD HV+` | `VPP` | HV5812 high-voltage rail |
+
+Important:
+
+- `VDD` is the low-voltage logic rail
+- `VPP` is the high-voltage output rail
+- do not connect Arduino `5V` to `VPP`
+
+## HV5812P -> VFD Tube
+
+The current output map is:
+
+| HV5812 Output | Tube Function |
+|---|---|
+| `HVOut1` | segment `A` |
+| `HVOut2` | segment `B` |
+| `HVOut3` | segment `C` |
+| `HVOut4` | segment `D` |
+| `HVOut5` | segment `E` |
+| `HVOut6` | segment `F` |
+| `HVOut7` | segment `G` |
+| `HVOut8` | decimal point segment |
+| `HVOut9` | alarm bell segment |
+| `HVOut10` | digit grid 1 |
+| `HVOut11` | digit grid 2 |
+| `HVOut12` | digit grid 3 |
+| `HVOut13` | digit grid 4 |
+| `HVOut14` | indicator grid between digits 2 and 3 |
+
+Logical segment layout:
+
+```text
+ ---A---
+|       |
+F       B
+|---G---|
+E       C
+|       |
+ ---D---
+```
+
+Additional VFD wiring notes:
+
+- the VFD filament/heater wiring is separate from the HV5812 outputs
+- the exact filament supply depends on your tube
+- the HV5812 only drives the segments and grids
+
+## Gauge Control Pins
+
+The current sketch drives three gauges.
+
+Each gauge needs a driver or actuator input that accepts:
+
+- `DIR`
+- `STEP`
+- optionally `ENABLE` if you later add one in code
+
+Current assignments:
+
+| Gauge | Mega DIR | Mega STEP |
+|---|---|---|
+| `Gauge 0` | `D50` | `D51` |
+| `Gauge 1` | `D8` | `D9` |
+| `Gauge 2` | `D52` | `D53` |
+
+Connect each pair to the matching stepper driver inputs.
+
+Example:
+
+- `Mega D50` -> Gauge 0 driver `DIR`
+- `Mega D51` -> Gauge 0 driver `STEP`
+- `Mega D8` -> Gauge 1 driver `DIR`
+- `Mega D9` -> Gauge 1 driver `STEP`
+- `Mega D52` -> Gauge 2 driver `DIR`
+- `Mega D53` -> Gauge 2 driver `STEP`
+
+Also connect:
+
+- `Mega GND` -> each driver logic ground
+
+If your driver boards need separate motor power, supply that from the proper motor supply. Do not power motors from the Mega `5V` pin.
+
+## WS2812B LED Strip
+
+The current sketch expects one shared WS2812B chain.
+
+| Mega Pin | WS2812B |
+|---|---|
+| `D22` | `DIN` |
+| `5V` | `5V` |
+| `GND` | `GND` |
+
+Notes:
+
+- the code expects `7 LEDs per gauge`, so `21 LEDs total`
+- use a proper 5V supply sized for the LED current
+- keep LED ground common with the Mega
+
+If the strip is powered from a separate 5V supply:
+
+- connect external `5V` -> LED `5V`
+- connect external `GND` -> LED `GND`
+- connect that same `GND` to `Mega GND`
+
+## ESP32 Bridge
+
+The ESP32 runs `gauge.py` and talks to the Mega over UART and to Home Assistant over MQTT/Wi-Fi.
+
+ESP32 to Mega:
+
+| ESP32 Pin | Mega Pin | Purpose |
+|---|---|---|
+| `GPIO17` | `RX1` pin `19` | ESP32 TX -> Mega RX |
+| `GPIO16` | `TX1` pin `18` | ESP32 RX <- Mega TX |
+| `GND` | `GND` | common ground |
+
+ESP32 power:
+
+- power the ESP32 from a proper `3.3V` or board-supported USB/5V input, depending on your board
+- do not feed raw `5V` into a bare `3.3V` ESP32 module unless the board has its own regulator
+
+## One-Page Wiring Summary
+
+### Power
+
+- `5V logic supply` -> Mega `5V`
+- `5V logic supply` -> HV5812 `VDD`
+- `5V logic supply` -> WS2812B `5V`
+- `motor supply` -> gauge driver motor power inputs
+- `VFD high-voltage supply` -> HV5812 `VPP`
+- all grounds common
+
+### Mega to ESP32
+
+- `Mega 19 (RX1)` <- `ESP32 GPIO17 (TX)`
+- `Mega 18 (TX1)` -> resistor divider -> `ESP32 GPIO16 (RX)`
+- `Mega GND` <-> `ESP32 GND`
+
+Resistor divider on `Mega TX1`:
+
+- `Mega TX1` -> `1 kOhm` -> divider node
+- divider node -> `ESP32 GPIO16`
+- divider node -> `2 kOhm` -> `GND`
+
+### Mega to HV5812
+
+- `D46` -> `DIN`
+- `D47` -> `CLK`
+- `D48` -> `STROBE`
+- `D49` -> `BLANKING`
+- `5V` -> `VDD`
+- `GND` -> `GND`
+- `VFD HV+` -> `VPP`
+
+### HV5812 to Tube
+
+- `HVOut1..7` -> segments `A..G`
+- `HVOut8` -> decimal point
+- `HVOut9` -> alarm bell
+- `HVOut10..13` -> digit grids `1..4`
+- `HVOut14` -> indicator grid
+
+### Mega to Gauges
+
+- `D50/D51` -> gauge 0 `DIR/STEP`
+- `D8/D9` -> gauge 1 `DIR/STEP`
+- `D52/D53` -> gauge 2 `DIR/STEP`
+
+### Mega to LEDs
+
+- `D22` -> WS2812B `DIN`
+- `5V` -> WS2812B `5V`
+- `GND` -> WS2812B `GND`
+
+## Sanity Checklist Before Power-On
+
+- Mega, ESP32, HV5812 logic, LED strip, and driver logic grounds are all common
+- Mega `D46-D49` go to the HV5812, not to the gauge drivers
+- Mega `D50-D53` and `D8-D9` go only to the gauge drivers
+- HV5812 `VDD` is `5V`
+- HV5812 `VPP` is the VFD high-voltage rail, not `5V`
+- ESP32 UART is crossed correctly: TX -> RX, RX -> TX
+- WS2812B has its own adequate 5V supply if current draw is significant
+- motor power is not coming from the Mega
+
+## What This Does Not Define
+
+This document does not define:
+
+- the exact VFD filament supply voltage/current
+- the exact motor driver board power pins, because that depends on the driver hardware you are using
+- the physical PDIP package pin numbers of the HV5812P