v1.0.5: Heltec V3 support, heap stability fix, TCP reconnection improvements

- Add Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V3 board support (8MB flash, 8MB PSRAM)
  - New heltec_V3_boundary build environment in platformio.ini
  - Board auto-detection in flash.py (8MB=V3, 16MB=V4)
  - V3 board definition in Boards.h
- Fix heap exhaustion causing watchdog reboots every ~70 min
  - Lower boundary_mentioned_addresses cap from 512 to 200
  - Heap now stable at ~38KB free (was draining to 0)
- TCP reconnection improvements in TcpInterface.h
  - SO_LINGER(0) for clean socket teardown
  - 10-minute read timeout prevents zombie connections
  - Defensive client cleanup on accept
- Add heap telemetry instrumentation (HEAP-TEL) for monitoring
- Add level guards on TRACE/DEBUG macros in Log.h
- Update README for dual V3/V4 board support

Boards.h

@@ -349,7 +349,11 @@
       #define HAS_DISPLAY true
       #define HAS_WIFI true
       #define HAS_BLUETOOTH false
-      #define HAS_BLE true
+      #ifdef BOUNDARY_MODE
+        #define HAS_BLE false
+      #else
+        #define HAS_BLE true
+      #endif
       #define HAS_PMU true
       #define HAS_CONSOLE true
       #define HAS_EEPROM true

README.md

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
-# RNodeTHV4 — Reticulum Boundary Node for Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V4
+# RNodeTHV4 — Reticulum Boundary Node for Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V3 / V4
 
-A custom firmware for the **Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V4** (ESP32-S3 + SX1262) that operates as a **Boundary Node** — bridging a local LoRa radio network with a remote TCP/IP backbone (such as [rmap.world](https://rmap.world)) over WiFi.
+A custom firmware for the **Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V3** and **V4** (ESP32-S3 + SX1262) that operates as a **Boundary Node** — bridging a local LoRa radio network with a remote TCP/IP backbone (such as [rmap.world](https://rmap.world)) over WiFi.
 
 ```
   Android / Sideband                                             Remote
@@ -28,18 +28,22 @@ Built on [microReticulum](https://github.com/attermann/microReticulum) (a C++ po
 - **Optional local TCP server** — serve local devices on your WiFi in addition to the backbone connection
 - **Automatic reconnection** — WiFi and TCP connections recover from drops with exponential backoff
 - **ESP32 memory-optimized** — table sizes, timeouts, and caching tuned for the constrained MCU environment
+- **Dual board support** — supports both Heltec V3 (8MB flash, 8MB PSRAM) and V4 (16MB flash, 2MB PSRAM) with automatic board detection
 
 ## Hardware
 
-The **Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V4** was chosen because it ships standard with **2 MB PSRAM** and **16 MB flash** — enough headroom for the microReticulum transport tables, packet caching to flash storage, and the web-based configuration portal. Many other LoRa dev boards come with only 4–8 MB flash and no PSRAM, which would require significant compromises to the boundary node's caching and routing capabilities.
+Both the **Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V3** and **V4** are supported. These boards were chosen because they ship with PSRAM and ample flash — enough headroom for the microReticulum transport tables, packet caching to flash storage, and the web-based configuration portal. Many other LoRa dev boards come with only 4 MB flash and no PSRAM, which would require significant compromises to the boundary node's caching and routing capabilities.
 
-| Component | Spec |
+| Component | Heltec V3 | Heltec V4 |
-|-----------|------|
+|-----------|-----------|----------|
-| **Board** | Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V4 |
+| **MCU** | ESP32-S3 | ESP32-S3 |
-| **MCU** | ESP32-S3, 2MB PSRAM, 16MB Flash |
+| **Flash** | 8 MB | 16 MB |
-| **Radio** | SX1262 + GC1109 PA (up to 28 dBm) |
+| **PSRAM** | 8 MB (QSPI) | 2 MB (QSPI) |
-| **Display** | SSD1306 OLED 128×64 |
+| **Radio** | SX1262 | SX1262 + GC1109 PA |
-| **WiFi** | 2.4 GHz 802.11 b/g/n |
+| **TX Power** | Up to 22 dBm | Up to 28 dBm |
+| **Display** | SSD1306 OLED 128×64 | SSD1306 OLED 128×64 |
+| **WiFi** | 2.4 GHz 802.11 b/g/n | 2.4 GHz 802.11 b/g/n |
+| **USB** | Native USB CDC | Native USB CDC |
 
 ## Quick Start
 
@@ -56,13 +60,18 @@ git clone https://github.com/jrl290/RNodeTHV4.git
 cd RNodeTHV4
 
 # Download latest firmware from GitHub Releases and flash
+# (auto-detects V3 vs V4 from flash size)
 python flash.py --download
 
+# Or specify board explicitly
+python flash.py --download --board v3
+python flash.py --download --board v4
+
 # Or flash a local binary
 python flash.py --file rnodethv4_firmware.bin
 ```
 
-The flash utility will list all available serial ports and prompt you to choose one. If no ports are detected, you may need to hold the **BOOT** button while pressing **RESET** to enter download mode.
+The flash utility auto-detects whether a V3 or V4 is connected by querying the flash size (8MB = V3, 16MB = V4). You can override with `--board v3` or `--board v4`. It will list all available serial ports and prompt you to choose one. If no ports are detected, you may need to hold the **BOOT** button while pressing **RESET** to enter download mode.
 
 ### Option B: Build from Source (PlatformIO)
 
@@ -74,15 +83,18 @@ For development or customization:
 git clone https://github.com/jrl290/RNodeTHV4.git
 cd RNodeTHV4
 
-# Build
+# Build for V4
 pio run -e heltec_V4_boundary
 
+# Build for V3
+pio run -e heltec_V3_boundary
+
 # Flash (via PlatformIO)
 pio run -e heltec_V4_boundary -t upload
 
 # Or create a merged binary and flash with the utility
-python flash.py --merge-only    # creates rnodethv4_firmware.bin
+python flash.py --merge-only    # creates merged firmware bin
-python flash.py                 # flash it
+python flash.py                 # flash it (auto-detects board)
 
 # Monitor serial output (optional)
 pio device monitor -e heltec_V4_boundary
@@ -326,8 +338,8 @@ Set the boundary node's **Local TCP Server** to **Enabled** (port 4242).
 | `TcpInterface.h` | TCP interface for both backbone and local server (implements `RNS::InterfaceImpl`) with HDLC framing, unique naming, and 10 Mbps bitrate |
 | `Display.h` | OLED display layout — boundary-specific status page |
 | `flash.py` | Flash utility — list serial ports, download from GitHub, merge & flash firmware |
-| `Boards.h` | Board variant definition for `heltec32v4_boundary` |
+| `Boards.h` | Board variant definitions for V3 and V4 |
-| `platformio.ini` | Build targets: `heltec_V4_boundary` and `heltec_V4_boundary-local` |
+| `platformio.ini` | Build targets: `heltec_V3_boundary`, `heltec_V4_boundary`, and `heltec_V4_boundary-local` |
 
 ### Library Patches
 
@@ -340,12 +352,12 @@ The firmware depends on [microReticulum](https://github.com/attermann/microRetic
 | `Identity.cpp` | `_known_destinations_maxsize` = 24, `cull_known_destinations()` |
 | `Type.h` | `MODE_BOUNDARY` = 0x20, reduced `MAX_QUEUED_ANNOUNCES`, `MAX_RECEIPTS`, shorter timeouts |
 
-### Memory Usage (typical)
+### Memory Usage (typical, V4)
 
 | Resource | Used | Available |
-|----------|------|-----------|
+|----------|------|----------|
 | RAM | ~21.7% | 320 KB |
-| Flash | ~18.1% | 16 MB |
+| Flash | ~18.4% | 16 MB |
 | PSRAM | Dynamic | 2 MB |
 
 ## License

RNode_Firmware.ino

@@ -635,7 +635,8 @@ void setup() {
       RNS::Transport::set_transmit_packet_callback(on_transmit_packet);
 
       Serial.write("Starting RNS...\r\n");
-      RNS::loglevel(RNS::LOG_TRACE);
+      RNS::loglevel(RNS::LOG_VERBOSE);
+      //RNS::loglevel(RNS::LOG_TRACE);
       //RNS::loglevel(RNS::LOG_MEM);
 
       HEAD("Registering LoRA Interface...", RNS::LOG_TRACE);
@@ -701,6 +702,9 @@ void setup() {
             0,
             "LocalTcpInterface"
         );
+        // rnsd can be quiet for long stretches — use 10 min timeout
+        // to prevent unnecessary reconnection cycles that leak lwIP memory
+        local_tcp_interface_ptr->setReadTimeout(600000);
         local_tcp_rns_interface = local_tcp_interface_ptr;
         local_tcp_rns_interface.mode(RNS::Type::Interface::MODE_ACCESS_POINT);
         RNS::Transport::register_interface(local_tcp_rns_interface);

TcpInterface.h

@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@
 #ifdef BOUNDARY_MODE
 
 #include <WiFi.h>
+#include <lwip/sockets.h>   // SO_LINGER — force RST to free lwIP PCBs immediately
 #include <Interface.h>
 #include <Transport.h>
 #include <Bytes.h>
@@ -75,6 +76,7 @@ public:
           _last_reconnect(0),
           _last_keepalive(0),
           _reconnect_interval(TCP_IF_RECONNECT_MIN),
+          _read_timeout(TCP_IF_READ_TIMEOUT),
           _resolved_ip((uint32_t)0),
           _consecutive_failures(0),
           _started(false)
@@ -128,7 +130,16 @@ public:
     void stop() {
         for (int i = 0; i < TCP_IF_MAX_CLIENTS; i++) {
             if (_clients[i].active) {
+                // Force RST to free lwIP PCBs immediately (no TIME_WAIT)
+                int fd = _clients[i].client.fd();
+                if (fd >= 0) {
+                    struct linger lin;
+                    lin.l_onoff = 1;
+                    lin.l_linger = 0;
+                    setsockopt(fd, SOL_SOCKET, SO_LINGER, &lin, sizeof(lin));
+                }
                 _clients[i].client.stop();
+                _clients[i].client = WiFiClient();
                 _clients[i].active = false;
             }
         }
@@ -185,25 +196,15 @@ public:
             if (!_clients[i].active) continue;
 
             if (!_clients[i].client.connected()) {
-                Serial.printf("[TcpIF] Client %d disconnected\r\n", i);
+                _cleanup_client(i, "disconnected");
-                _clients[i].client.stop();
-                _clients[i].active = false;
-                _clients[i].in_frame = false;
-                _clients[i].escape = false;
-                _clients[i].rxlen = 0;
-                _num_clients--;
                 continue;
             }
 
-            // Check read timeout
+            // Check read timeout (0 = disabled)
-            if (_clients[i].last_activity > 0 &&
+            if (_read_timeout > 0 &&
-                (millis() - _clients[i].last_activity) > TCP_IF_READ_TIMEOUT) {
+                _clients[i].last_activity > 0 &&
-                Serial.printf("[TcpIF] Client %d read timeout\r\n", i);
+                (millis() - _clients[i].last_activity) > _read_timeout) {
-                _clients[i].client.stop();
+                _cleanup_client(i, "read timeout");
-                _clients[i].active = false;
-                _clients[i].in_frame = false;
-                _clients[i].rxlen = 0;
-                _num_clients--;
                 continue;
             }
 
@@ -220,6 +221,7 @@ public:
     int  clientCount() const { return _num_clients; }
     bool isStarted()   const { return _started; }
     bool isConnected() const { return _num_clients > 0; }
+    void setReadTimeout(uint32_t timeout_ms) { _read_timeout = timeout_ms; }
 
 protected:
     // ─── RNS InterfaceImpl: outgoing packet from RNS Transport ───────────────
@@ -248,12 +250,7 @@ protected:
             if (_clients[i].active && _clients[i].client.connected()) {
                 size_t written = _clients[i].client.write(frame_buf, flen);
                 if (written == 0) {
-                    Serial.printf("[TcpIF] Write failed on client %d, dropping\r\n", i);
+                    _cleanup_client(i, "write failed");
-                    _clients[i].client.stop();
-                    _clients[i].active = false;
-                    _clients[i].in_frame = false;
-                    _clients[i].rxlen = 0;
-                    _num_clients--;
                 }
             }
         }
@@ -270,6 +267,38 @@ protected:
     }
 
 private:
+    // ─── Cleanup a client slot, freeing all lwIP resources ───────────────────
+    void _cleanup_client(int idx, const char* reason) {
+        TcpClient& c = _clients[idx];
+        if (!c.active) return;
+
+        uint32_t heap_before = ESP.getFreeHeap();
+
+        // Set SO_LINGER with timeout 0: forces RST instead of FIN,
+        // which skips TIME_WAIT and immediately frees the lwIP PCB
+        // and all associated TCP send/receive buffers (~2-4 KB each).
+        int fd = c.client.fd();
+        if (fd >= 0) {
+            struct linger lin;
+            lin.l_onoff = 1;
+            lin.l_linger = 0;
+            setsockopt(fd, SOL_SOCKET, SO_LINGER, &lin, sizeof(lin));
+        }
+
+        c.client.stop();
+        c.client = WiFiClient();  // Release any residual shared_ptr state
+        c.active = false;
+        c.in_frame = false;
+        c.escape = false;
+        c.rxlen = 0;
+        _num_clients--;
+
+        uint32_t heap_after = ESP.getFreeHeap();
+        Serial.printf("[TcpIF] Client %d %s (heap: %u -> %u, delta: %+d)\r\n",
+                      idx, reason, heap_before, heap_after,
+                      (int)(heap_after - heap_before));
+    }
+
     // ─── HDLC byte-level deframing ──────────────────────────────────────────
     void _hdlc_deframe(int idx, uint8_t byte) {
         TcpClient& c = _clients[idx];
@@ -306,6 +335,18 @@ private:
         // Find a free slot
         for (int i = 0; i < TCP_IF_MAX_CLIENTS; i++) {
             if (!_clients[i].active) {
+                // Defensive: force-release any residual lwIP resources in this slot
+                // before assigning the new client (prevents PCB/buffer leaks)
+                int fd = _clients[i].client.fd();
+                if (fd >= 0) {
+                    struct linger lin;
+                    lin.l_onoff = 1;
+                    lin.l_linger = 0;
+                    setsockopt(fd, SOL_SOCKET, SO_LINGER, &lin, sizeof(lin));
+                    _clients[i].client.stop();
+                }
+                _clients[i].client = WiFiClient();  // Reset to clean state
+
                 _clients[i].client = newClient;
                 _clients[i].client.setNoDelay(true);
                 _clients[i].client.setTimeout(TCP_IF_WRITE_TIMEOUT / 1000);
@@ -399,6 +440,7 @@ private:
     uint32_t    _last_reconnect;
     uint32_t    _last_keepalive;
     uint32_t    _reconnect_interval;
+    uint32_t    _read_timeout;
     IPAddress   _resolved_ip;
     uint16_t    _consecutive_failures;
     bool        _started;

flash.py

@@ -2,16 +2,19 @@
 """
 RNodeTHV4 Flash Utility
 
-Flash the RNodeTHV4 boundary node firmware to a Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V4.
+Flash the RNodeTHV4 boundary node firmware to a Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V3 or V4.
 No PlatformIO required — just Python 3 and a USB cable.
 
 Default mode flashes only the app partition (0x10000), preserving
 bootloader, partition table, NVS, and EEPROM settings.
 
 Usage:
-    # Update firmware (preserves WiFi/boundary settings)
+    # Update firmware — V4 (default)
     python flash.py
 
+    # Update firmware — V3
+    python flash.py --board v3
+
     # Full flash with merged binary (overwrites everything)
     python flash.py --full
 
@@ -43,9 +46,6 @@ import time
 CHIP            = "esp32s3"
 FLASH_MODE      = "qio"
 FLASH_FREQ      = "80m"
-FLASH_SIZE      = "16MB"
-BAUD_RATE       = "921600"
-MERGED_FILENAME = "rnodethv4_firmware.bin"
 GITHUB_REPO     = "jrl290/RNodeTHV4"
 
 # Flash addresses for ESP32-S3 Arduino framework
@@ -54,11 +54,61 @@ PARTITIONS_ADDR = 0x8000
 BOOT_APP0_ADDR  = 0xe000
 APP_ADDR        = 0x10000
 
-# PlatformIO build output paths (relative to project root)
+# ── Board profiles ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-BUILD_DIR       = ".pio/build/heltec_V4_boundary"
+# Each board defines its PIO env, flash size, baud rate, firmware binary name,
-BOOTLOADER_BIN  = os.path.join(BUILD_DIR, "bootloader.bin")
+# and merged binary name.
-PARTITIONS_BIN  = os.path.join(BUILD_DIR, "partitions.bin")
+
-FIRMWARE_BIN    = os.path.join(BUILD_DIR, "rnode_firmware_heltec32v4_boundary.bin")
+BOARD_PROFILES = {
+    "v4": {
+        "name":            "Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V4",
+        "pio_env":         "heltec_V4_boundary",
+        "build_dir":       ".pio/build/heltec_V4_boundary",
+        "firmware_bin":    "rnode_firmware_heltec32v4_boundary.bin",
+        "merged_filename": "rnodethv4_firmware.bin",
+        "flash_size":      "16MB",
+        "baud_rate":       "921600",
+    },
+    "v3": {
+        "name":            "Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V3",
+        "pio_env":         "heltec_V3_boundary",
+        "build_dir":       ".pio/build/heltec_V3_boundary",
+        "firmware_bin":    "rnode_firmware_heltec32v3.bin",
+        "merged_filename": "rnodethv3_firmware.bin",
+        "flash_size":      "8MB",
+        "baud_rate":       "460800",
+    },
+}
+DEFAULT_BOARD = "v4"
+
+# Active board profile (set in main() from --board arg)
+_board = None
+
+def board_profile():
+    return BOARD_PROFILES[_board or DEFAULT_BOARD]
+
+def BUILD_DIR():
+    return board_profile()["build_dir"]
+
+def BOOTLOADER_BIN():
+    return os.path.join(BUILD_DIR(), "bootloader.bin")
+
+def PARTITIONS_BIN():
+    return os.path.join(BUILD_DIR(), "partitions.bin")
+
+def FIRMWARE_BIN():
+    return os.path.join(BUILD_DIR(), board_profile()["firmware_bin"])
+
+def FLASH_SIZE():
+    return board_profile()["flash_size"]
+
+def BAUD_RATE():
+    return board_profile()["baud_rate"]
+
+def MERGED_FILENAME():
+    return board_profile()["merged_filename"]
+
+def PIO_ENV():
+    return board_profile()["pio_env"]
 
 # ESP32 partition table magic bytes (first two bytes of a partition table entry)
 PARTITION_TABLE_MAGIC = b'\xaa\x50'
@@ -94,6 +144,16 @@ def _find_in_platformio_or_release(build_path, release_name):
 
     return None
 
+# Forward-compatible aliases (these are now functions, not constants)
+def _bootloader_bin():
+    return BOOTLOADER_BIN()
+
+def _partitions_bin():
+    return PARTITIONS_BIN()
+
+def _firmware_bin():
+    return FIRMWARE_BIN()
+
 
 def find_boot_app0():
     """Find boot_app0.bin from PlatformIO framework packages.
@@ -126,16 +186,77 @@ def find_boot_app0():
 
 def find_bootloader():
     """Find bootloader.bin from PlatformIO build output or Release/ bundle."""
-    return _find_in_platformio_or_release(BOOTLOADER_BIN, "bootloader.bin")
+    return _find_in_platformio_or_release(BOOTLOADER_BIN(), "bootloader.bin")
 
 
 def find_partitions():
     """Find partitions.bin from PlatformIO build output or Release/ bundle."""
-    return _find_in_platformio_or_release(PARTITIONS_BIN, "partitions.bin")
+    return _find_in_platformio_or_release(PARTITIONS_BIN(), "partitions.bin")
 
 
 BOOT_APP0_BIN = find_boot_app0()
 
+# ── Board auto-detection ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+# Map detected flash sizes to board keys
+_FLASH_SIZE_TO_BOARD = {
+    "16MB": "v4",
+    "8MB":  "v3",
+}
+
+def detect_board(port, esptool_cmd):
+    """Auto-detect which Heltec board is connected by querying flash size.
+
+    Runs ``esptool.py flash_id`` and parses the output for:
+      - Detected flash size (16MB → V4, 8MB → V3)
+      - Chip type (ESP32-S3 expected)
+      - Features (PSRAM size, WiFi, BLE)
+
+    Returns a tuple (board_key, info_dict) on success, or (None, reason) on
+    failure.  ``board_key`` is "v3" or "v4".
+    """
+    cmd = esptool_cmd + ["--port", port, "flash_id"]
+    try:
+        result = subprocess.run(cmd, capture_output=True, text=True, timeout=15)
+    except subprocess.TimeoutExpired:
+        return None, "esptool timed out (device not responding?)"
+    except Exception as e:
+        return None, str(e)
+
+    output = result.stdout + result.stderr
+    if result.returncode != 0:
+        return None, f"esptool flash_id failed:\n{output.strip()}"
+
+    # Parse key fields
+    info = {}
+    for line in output.splitlines():
+        line = line.strip()
+        if line.startswith("Chip is "):
+            info["chip"] = line[len("Chip is "):]
+        elif line.startswith("Features:"):
+            info["features"] = line[len("Features:"):].strip()
+        elif line.startswith("Detected flash size:"):
+            info["flash_size"] = line.split(":")[-1].strip()
+        elif line.startswith("MAC:"):
+            info["mac"] = line.split(":")[-5:]  # last 5 colon-groups
+            info["mac"] = line[len("MAC:"):].strip()
+        elif line.startswith("Crystal is"):
+            info["crystal"] = line[len("Crystal is"):].strip()
+
+    flash_size = info.get("flash_size")
+    if not flash_size:
+        return None, f"Could not parse flash size from esptool output:\n{output.strip()}"
+
+    board_key = _FLASH_SIZE_TO_BOARD.get(flash_size)
+    if not board_key:
+        return None, (
+            f"Unknown flash size '{flash_size}' — expected 16MB (V4) or 8MB (V3).\n"
+            f"Use --board v3 or --board v4 to specify manually."
+        )
+
+    return board_key, info
+
+
 # ── Helpers ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
 def find_esptool():
@@ -259,16 +380,16 @@ def download_firmware(dest_path):
     # Find the merged firmware asset
     asset_url = None
     for asset in release.get("assets", []):
-        if asset["name"] == MERGED_FILENAME:
+        if asset["name"] == MERGED_FILENAME():
             asset_url = asset["browser_download_url"]
             break
 
     if not asset_url:
-        print(f"Error: '{MERGED_FILENAME}' not found in latest release ({release.get('tag_name', '?')}).")
+        print(f"Error: '{MERGED_FILENAME()}' not found in latest release ({release.get('tag_name', '?')}).")
         print("Available assets:", [a["name"] for a in release.get("assets", [])])
         return False
 
-    print(f"Downloading {release['tag_name']} / {MERGED_FILENAME}...")
+    print(f"Downloading {release['tag_name']} / {MERGED_FILENAME()}...")
     try:
         urlretrieve(asset_url, dest_path)
     except Exception as e:
@@ -293,7 +414,7 @@ def _do_merge(output_path, esptool_cmd, bootloader, partitions, boot_app0, firmw
         "merge_bin",
         "--flash_mode", FLASH_MODE,
         "--flash_freq", FLASH_FREQ,
-        "--flash_size", FLASH_SIZE,
+        "--flash_size", FLASH_SIZE(),
         "-o", output_path,
         f"0x{BOOTLOADER_ADDR:x}", bootloader,
         f"0x{PARTITIONS_ADDR:x}", partitions,
@@ -321,11 +442,11 @@ def merge_firmware(output_path, esptool_cmd):
     bootloader = find_bootloader()
     partitions = find_partitions()
     boot_app0  = BOOT_APP0_BIN
-    firmware   = FIRMWARE_BIN
+    firmware   = FIRMWARE_BIN()
 
     missing = []
-    if not bootloader:         missing.append(("bootloader", BOOTLOADER_BIN))
+    if not bootloader:         missing.append(("bootloader", BOOTLOADER_BIN()))
-    if not partitions:         missing.append(("partitions", PARTITIONS_BIN))
+    if not partitions:         missing.append(("partitions", PARTITIONS_BIN()))
     if not boot_app0:          missing.append(("boot_app0",  "(not found)"))
     if not os.path.isfile(firmware):
         missing.append(("firmware", firmware))
@@ -333,7 +454,7 @@ def merge_firmware(output_path, esptool_cmd):
     if missing:
         for name, path in missing:
             print(f"Error: {name} not found: {path}")
-        print("Run 'pio run -e heltec_V4_boundary' to build first.")
+        print(f"Run 'pio run -e {PIO_ENV()}' to build first.")
         return False
 
     return _do_merge(output_path, esptool_cmd, bootloader, partitions, boot_app0, firmware)
@@ -360,7 +481,7 @@ def auto_merge_app_binary(app_binary_path, esptool_cmd):
     if missing:
         print(f"Cannot auto-merge: missing {', '.join(missing)}")
         print("Place them in the Release/ folder alongside flash.py, or")
-        print("build with PlatformIO: pio run -e heltec_V4_boundary")
+        print(f"build with PlatformIO: pio run -e {PIO_ENV()}")
         return None
 
     # Create merged binary next to the app binary
@@ -406,10 +527,13 @@ def reset_to_bootloader(port):
     return True
 
 
-def flash_firmware(firmware_path, port, esptool_cmd, baud=BAUD_RATE):
+def flash_firmware(firmware_path, port, esptool_cmd, baud=None):
     """Flash firmware to the device."""
+    if baud is None:
+        baud = BAUD_RATE()
+    flash_size = FLASH_SIZE()
     print(f"\nFlashing {firmware_path} to {port}...")
-    print(f"  Chip: {CHIP}  Baud: {baud}  Flash: {FLASH_SIZE}\n")
+    print(f"  Chip: {CHIP}  Baud: {baud}  Flash: {flash_size}\n")
 
     # Determine if this is a merged binary (flash at 0x0) or app-only (flash at 0x10000)
     is_merged = is_merged_binary(firmware_path)
@@ -431,7 +555,7 @@ def flash_firmware(firmware_path, port, esptool_cmd, baud=BAUD_RATE):
         "-z",
         "--flash_mode", FLASH_MODE,
         "--flash_freq", FLASH_FREQ,
-        "--flash_size", FLASH_SIZE,
+        "--flash_size", flash_size,
         flash_addr, firmware_path,
     ]
 
@@ -443,12 +567,14 @@ def flash_firmware(firmware_path, port, esptool_cmd, baud=BAUD_RATE):
 # ── Main ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
 def main():
+    global _board
     parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(
-        description="RNodeTHV4 Flash Utility — flash boundary node firmware to Heltec V4",
+        description="RNodeTHV4 Flash Utility — flash boundary node firmware to Heltec V3/V4",
         formatter_class=argparse.RawDescriptionHelpFormatter,
         epilog="""
 Examples:
-  python flash.py                         # App-only update (preserves settings)
+  python flash.py                         # App-only update, V4 (default)
+  python flash.py --board v3              # App-only update, V3
   python flash.py --full                  # Full flash with merged binary
   python flash.py --download              # Download latest release and flash
   python flash.py --file firmware.bin     # Flash a specific file
@@ -457,9 +583,12 @@ Examples:
   python flash.py --erase --full          # Erase flash, then full flash
         """,
     )
+    parser.add_argument("--board", choices=["v3", "v4"], default=None,
+                        help="Target board: v3 (Heltec V3) or v4 (Heltec V4). "
+                             "Auto-detected from connected device if omitted.")
     parser.add_argument("--file", "-f", help="Path to firmware binary to flash")
     parser.add_argument("--port", "-p", help="Serial port (auto-detected if omitted)")
-    parser.add_argument("--baud", "-b", default=BAUD_RATE, help=f"Baud rate (default: {BAUD_RATE})")
+    parser.add_argument("--baud", "-b", default=None, help="Baud rate (board-specific default)")
     parser.add_argument("--download", "-d", action="store_true",
                         help="Download latest firmware from GitHub Releases")
     parser.add_argument("--merge-only", action="store_true",
@@ -470,20 +599,58 @@ Examples:
                         help="Erase entire flash before writing (implies --full)")
 
     args = parser.parse_args()
-    baud = args.baud
 
-    print("╔══════════════════════════════════════════╗")
+    # Find esptool early — needed for both auto-detect and flashing
-    print("║       RNodeTHV4 Flash Utility            ║")
-    print("║  Heltec WiFi LoRa 32 V4 Boundary Node   ║")
-    print("╚══════════════════════════════════════════╝")
-    print()
-
-    # Find esptool
     esptool_cmd = find_esptool()
     if not esptool_cmd:
         print("Error: esptool not found!")
         print("Install it with:  pip install esptool")
         sys.exit(1)
+
+    # ── Board detection ─────────────────────────────────────────────────
+    detected_info = None
+    _early_port = None
+
+    if args.board:
+        # Explicit board — no detection needed
+        _board = args.board
+    elif args.merge_only:
+        # No device needed for merge — fall back to default
+        _board = DEFAULT_BOARD
+        print(f"(No --board specified; defaulting to {DEFAULT_BOARD} for merge)")
+    else:
+        # Auto-detect from connected device
+        _early_port = args.port or find_serial_port()
+        if not _early_port:
+            print("No serial port detected and no --board specified.")
+            print(f"Defaulting to {DEFAULT_BOARD}. Specify with --board v3 or --board v4.")
+            _board = DEFAULT_BOARD
+        else:
+            print(f"Detecting board on {_early_port}...")
+            board_key, info = detect_board(_early_port, esptool_cmd)
+            if board_key:
+                _board = board_key
+                detected_info = info
+                print(f"  Chip:       {info.get('chip', '?')}")
+                print(f"  Flash:      {info.get('flash_size', '?')}")
+                print(f"  Features:   {info.get('features', '?')}")
+                print(f"  MAC:        {info.get('mac', '?')}")
+                print(f"  → Detected: {BOARD_PROFILES[board_key]['name']}")
+            else:
+                reason = info  # info is the error reason when board_key is None
+                print(f"  Auto-detect failed: {reason}")
+                print(f"  Defaulting to {DEFAULT_BOARD}. Specify with --board v3 or --board v4.")
+                _board = DEFAULT_BOARD
+
+    baud = args.baud or BAUD_RATE()
+    bp = board_profile()
+
+    print()
+    print("╔══════════════════════════════════════════╗")
+    print("║       RNodeTHV4 Flash Utility            ║")
+    print(f"║  {bp['name']:^40s}  ║")
+    print("╚══════════════════════════════════════════╝")
+    print()
     print(f"Using esptool: {' '.join(esptool_cmd)}")
 
     # --erase implies --full (after erase, device needs bootloader + partitions)
@@ -492,6 +659,9 @@ Examples:
 
     # Determine firmware file
     firmware_path = None
+    merged_fn = MERGED_FILENAME()
+    firmware_bin = FIRMWARE_BIN()
+    pio_env = PIO_ENV()
 
     if args.file:
         firmware_path = args.file
@@ -500,69 +670,69 @@ Examples:
             sys.exit(1)
 
     elif args.download:
-        firmware_path = MERGED_FILENAME
+        firmware_path = merged_fn
         if not download_firmware(firmware_path):
             sys.exit(1)
 
     elif args.merge_only:
-        if merge_firmware(MERGED_FILENAME, esptool_cmd):
+        if merge_firmware(merged_fn, esptool_cmd):
-            print(f"\nDone! Flash with:  python flash.py --file {MERGED_FILENAME}")
+            print(f"\nDone! Flash with:  python flash.py --board {_board} --file {merged_fn}")
         else:
             sys.exit(1)
         return
 
     elif args.full:
         # Full flash: use or create merged binary
-        if os.path.isfile(FIRMWARE_BIN):
+        if os.path.isfile(firmware_bin):
             # Build exists — (re-)merge
-            if os.path.isfile(MERGED_FILENAME):
+            if os.path.isfile(merged_fn):
-                build_time = os.path.getmtime(FIRMWARE_BIN)
+                build_time = os.path.getmtime(firmware_bin)
-                merge_time = os.path.getmtime(MERGED_FILENAME)
+                merge_time = os.path.getmtime(merged_fn)
                 if build_time > merge_time:
                     print("Build output is newer than merged binary, re-merging...")
-                    if not merge_firmware(MERGED_FILENAME, esptool_cmd):
+                    if not merge_firmware(merged_fn, esptool_cmd):
                         sys.exit(1)
             else:
                 print("Creating merged binary from PlatformIO build output...")
-                if not merge_firmware(MERGED_FILENAME, esptool_cmd):
+                if not merge_firmware(merged_fn, esptool_cmd):
                     sys.exit(1)
-            firmware_path = MERGED_FILENAME
+            firmware_path = merged_fn
-        elif os.path.isfile(MERGED_FILENAME):
+        elif os.path.isfile(merged_fn):
-            firmware_path = MERGED_FILENAME
+            firmware_path = merged_fn
         else:
             print("No firmware found for full flash!")
             print()
             print("Options:")
-            print("  1. Build with PlatformIO first:  pio run -e heltec_V4_boundary")
+            print(f"  1. Build with PlatformIO first:  pio run -e {pio_env}")
-            print("  2. Download from GitHub:         python flash.py --download")
+            print(f"  2. Download from GitHub:         python flash.py --board {_board} --download")
-            print("  3. Specify a file:               python flash.py --file <path>")
+            print(f"  3. Specify a file:               python flash.py --board {_board} --file <path>")
             sys.exit(1)
 
     else:
         # Default: app-only flash (preserves settings)
-        if os.path.isfile(FIRMWARE_BIN):
+        if os.path.isfile(firmware_bin):
-            firmware_path = FIRMWARE_BIN
+            firmware_path = firmware_bin
             print(f"App-only update (preserves WiFi/boundary settings)")
             print(f"  Use --full for a complete flash, or --erase for recovery.")
-        elif os.path.isfile(MERGED_FILENAME):
+        elif os.path.isfile(merged_fn):
-            firmware_path = MERGED_FILENAME
+            firmware_path = merged_fn
-            print(f"No build output found, using merged binary: {MERGED_FILENAME}")
+            print(f"No build output found, using merged binary: {merged_fn}")
             print(f"  Note: merged binary will overwrite bootloader + partitions.")
         else:
             print("No firmware found!")
             print()
             print("Options:")
-            print("  1. Build with PlatformIO first:  pio run -e heltec_V4_boundary")
+            print(f"  1. Build with PlatformIO first:  pio run -e {pio_env}")
-            print("  2. Download from GitHub:         python flash.py --download")
+            print(f"  2. Download from GitHub:         python flash.py --board {_board} --download")
-            print("  3. Specify a file:               python flash.py --file <path>")
+            print(f"  3. Specify a file:               python flash.py --board {_board} --file <path>")
             sys.exit(1)
 
-    # Flash
+    # Flash — reuse early-detected port if available
-    port = args.port or find_serial_port()
+    port = args.port or _early_port or find_serial_port()
     if not port:
         print("\nError: No serial port detected!")
-        print("Connect your Heltec V4 via USB and try again,")
+        print(f"Connect your {bp['name']} via USB and try again,")
-        print("or specify manually: python flash.py --port /dev/ttyACM0")
+        print(f"or specify manually: python flash.py --board {_board} --port /dev/ttyACM0")
         sys.exit(1)
 
     print(f"\nSerial port: {port}")

lib/microReticulum/src/Log.h

@@ -25,10 +25,10 @@
 #define VERBOSE(msg) (RNS::verbose(msg))
 #define VERBOSEF(msg, ...) (RNS::verbosef(msg, __VA_ARGS__))
 #ifndef NDEBUG
-	#define DEBUG(msg) (RNS::debug(msg))
+	#define DEBUG(msg) do { if (RNS::loglevel() >= RNS::LOG_DEBUG) RNS::debug(msg); } while(0)
-	#define DEBUGF(msg, ...) (RNS::debugf(msg, __VA_ARGS__))
+	#define DEBUGF(msg, ...) do { if (RNS::loglevel() >= RNS::LOG_DEBUG) RNS::debugf(msg, __VA_ARGS__); } while(0)
-	#define TRACE(msg) (RNS::trace(msg))
+	#define TRACE(msg) do { if (RNS::loglevel() >= RNS::LOG_TRACE) RNS::trace(msg); } while(0)
-	#define TRACEF(msg, ...) (RNS::tracef(msg, __VA_ARGS__))
+	#define TRACEF(msg, ...) do { if (RNS::loglevel() >= RNS::LOG_TRACE) RNS::tracef(msg, __VA_ARGS__); } while(0)
 	#if defined(RNS_MEM_LOG)
 		#define MEM(msg) (RNS::mem(msg))
 		#define MEMF(msg, ...) (RNS::memf(msg, __VA_ARGS__))

lib/microReticulum/src/Transport.cpp

@@ -104,6 +104,7 @@ using namespace RNS::Utilities;
 static std::set<Bytes> _boundary_local_addresses;
 // BOUNDARY MODE Whitelist 2: addresses mentioned in packets from local devices
 static std::set<Bytes> _boundary_mentioned_addresses;
+static const uint16_t _boundary_maxsize = 200;
 
 // BOUNDARY MODE: Check if an interface is the backbone
 static bool is_backbone_interface(const Interface& iface) {
@@ -256,6 +257,9 @@ static bool is_backbone_interface(const Interface& iface) {
 /*static*/ void Transport::jobs() {
 	//TRACE("Transport::jobs()");
 
+	// Heap telemetry: snapshot at jobs entry
+	size_t _jobs_heap_entry = OS::heap_available();
+
 	std::vector<Packet> outgoing;
 	std::set<Bytes> path_requests;
 	int count;
@@ -443,6 +447,15 @@ static bool is_backbone_interface(const Interface& iface) {
 				_packet_hashlist.erase(_packet_hashlist.begin(), iter);
 			}
 
+#ifdef BOUNDARY_MODE
+			// Cull the boundary mentioned addresses if it has reached its max size
+			if (_boundary_mentioned_addresses.size() > _boundary_maxsize) {
+				std::set<Bytes>::iterator iter = _boundary_mentioned_addresses.begin();
+				std::advance(iter, _boundary_mentioned_addresses.size() - _boundary_maxsize);
+				_boundary_mentioned_addresses.erase(_boundary_mentioned_addresses.begin(), iter);
+			}
+#endif
+
 			// Cull the path request tags list if it has reached its max size
 			if (_discovery_pr_tags.size() > _max_pr_tags) {
 				std::set<Bytes>::iterator iter = _discovery_pr_tags.begin();
@@ -656,6 +669,15 @@ static bool is_backbone_interface(const Interface& iface) {
 
 	_jobs_running = false;
 
+	// Heap telemetry: snapshot at jobs exit
+	{
+		size_t _jobs_heap_exit = OS::heap_available();
+		int _jobs_delta = (int)_jobs_heap_exit - (int)_jobs_heap_entry;
+		if (_jobs_delta < -64 || _jobs_delta > 64) {
+			VERBOSEF("[HEAP-TEL] jobs: %d bytes (heap=%u)", _jobs_delta, (uint32_t)_jobs_heap_exit);
+		}
+	}
+
 	// CBA send announce retransmission packets
 	for (auto& packet : outgoing) {
 		packet.send();
@@ -1201,6 +1223,9 @@ static bool is_backbone_interface(const Interface& iface) {
 /*static*/ void Transport::inbound(const Bytes& raw, const Interface& interface /*= {Type::NONE}*/) {
 	TRACEF("Transport::inbound: received %d bytes", raw.size());
 	++_packets_received;
+
+	// Heap telemetry: snapshot at entry
+	size_t _heap_at_entry = OS::heap_available();
 	// CBA
 	if (_callbacks._receive_packet) {
 		try {
@@ -1440,7 +1465,16 @@ static bool is_backbone_interface(const Interface& iface) {
 		}
 #endif
 
-		// CBA ACCUMULATES
+		// Heap telemetry: snapshot after boundary filter
+		{
+			size_t _heap_after_boundary = OS::heap_available();
+			int _boundary_delta = (int)_heap_after_boundary - (int)_heap_at_entry;
+			if (_boundary_delta < -64) {
+				VERBOSEF("[HEAP-TEL] boundary: %d bytes (bma=%u phl=%u)", _boundary_delta, _boundary_mentioned_addresses.size(), _packet_hashlist.size());
+			}
+		}
+
+	// CBA ACCUMULATES
 		_packet_hashlist.insert(packet.packet_hash());
 		cache_packet(packet);
 		
@@ -2642,6 +2676,21 @@ static bool is_backbone_interface(const Interface& iface) {
 		}
 	}
 
+	// Heap telemetry: snapshot at exit
+	{
+		size_t _heap_at_exit = OS::heap_available();
+		int _inbound_delta = (int)_heap_at_exit - (int)_heap_at_entry;
+		// Log every 100th packet or when delta exceeds threshold
+		static uint32_t _tel_pkt_count = 0;
+		++_tel_pkt_count;
+		if (_inbound_delta < -64 || (_tel_pkt_count % 100 == 0)) {
+			VERBOSEF("[HEAP-TEL] inbound: %d bytes (heap=%u pin=%u bma=%u phl=%u lt=%u revr=%u)",
+				_inbound_delta, (uint32_t)_heap_at_exit, _packets_received,
+				_boundary_mentioned_addresses.size(), _packet_hashlist.size(),
+				_link_table.size(), _reverse_table.size());
+		}
+	}
+
 	_jobs_locked = false;
 }
 
@@ -4249,6 +4298,7 @@ TRACE("Transport::write_path_table: buffer size " + std::to_string(Persistence::
 		interface_announces += interface.announce_queue().size();
 	}
 	VERBOSEF("phl: %u rcp: %u lt: %u pl: %u al: %u tun: %u", _packet_hashlist.size(), _receipts.size(), _link_table.size(), _pending_links.size(), _active_links.size(), _tunnels.size());
+	VERBOSEF("bla: %u bma: %u", _boundary_local_addresses.size(), _boundary_mentioned_addresses.size());
 	VERBOSEF("pin: %u pout: %u padd: %u dpr: %u ikd: %u ia: %u\r\n", _packets_received, _packets_sent, _destinations_added, destination_path_responses, Identity::_known_destinations.size(), interface_announces);
 
 	_last_memory = memory;

platformio.ini

@@ -309,6 +309,37 @@ lib_deps =
 	${env.lib_deps}
 	XPowersLib@^0.2.1
 
+[env:heltec_V3_boundary]
+platform = espressif32
+board = heltec_wifi_lora_32_V3
+custom_variant = heltec32v3
+board_build.filesystem = littlefs
+; Flash / memory layout for 8MB flash + 8MB PSRAM (QSPI)
+board_upload.flash_size = 8MB
+board_upload.maximum_size = 8388608
+board_build.partitions = default_8MB.csv
+board_build.flash_mode = qio
+board_build.psram_type = qio
+board_build.arduino.memory_type = qio_qspi
+monitor_speed = 115200
+build_flags = 
+	${env.build_flags}
+	-DBOARD_MODEL=BOARD_HELTEC32_V3
+	-DBOARD_HAS_PSRAM=1
+	-DBOUNDARY_MODE
+	;-DNDEBUG
+	-DRNS_USE_TLSF=1
+	-DRNS_USE_ALLOCATOR=1
+	; --- Boundary mode defaults (override via EEPROM at runtime) ---
+	; TCP server mode (0=server, 1=client)
+	-DBOUNDARY_TCP_MODE=0
+	; TCP listen/connect port
+	-DBOUNDARY_TCP_PORT=4242
+lib_deps =
+	${env.lib_deps}
+	XPowersLib@^0.2.1
+monitor_filters = esp32_exception_decoder
+
 [env:heltec_wifi_lora_32_V4]
 platform = espressif32
 board = esp32-s3-devkitc-1
@@ -342,7 +373,7 @@ build_flags =
 	-DARDUINO_USB_CDC_ON_BOOT=1
 	-DBOARD_HAS_PSRAM=1
 	-DBOUNDARY_MODE
-	-DNDEBUG
+	;-DNDEBUG
 	-DRNS_USE_TLSF=1
 	-DRNS_USE_ALLOCATOR=1
 	; --- Boundary mode defaults (override via EEPROM at runtime) ---