Merge remote-tracking branch 'origin/main' into claude/fix-cache-write-dedup

# Conflicts:
#	CHANGELOG.md

.codacy.yml

@@ -4,4 +4,3 @@ exclude_paths:
   - "plugins/**"
   - "assets/**"
   - "test/**"
-  - "scripts/debug/**"

.cursor/README.md

@@ -1,145 +0,0 @@
-# Cursor Helper Files for LEDMatrix Plugin Development
-
-This directory contains Cursor-specific helper files to assist with plugin development in the LEDMatrix project.
-
-## Files Overview
-
-### `.cursorrules`
-Comprehensive rules file that Cursor uses to understand plugin development patterns, best practices, and workflows. This file is automatically loaded by Cursor and helps guide AI-assisted development.
-
-### `plugins_guide.md`
-Detailed guide covering:
-- Plugin system overview
-- Creating new plugins
-- Running plugins (emulator and hardware)
-- Loading and configuring plugins
-- Development workflow
-- Testing strategies
-- Troubleshooting
-
-### `plugin_templates/`
-Template files for quick plugin creation:
-- `manifest.json.template` - Plugin metadata template
-- `manager.py.template` - Plugin class template
-- `config_schema.json.template` - Configuration schema template
-- `README.md.template` - Plugin documentation template
-- `requirements.txt.template` - Dependencies template
-- `QUICK_START.md` - Quick start guide for using templates
-
-## Quick Reference
-
-### Creating a New Plugin
-
-1. **Using templates** (recommended):
-```bash
-# See QUICK_START.md in plugin_templates/
-cd plugins
-mkdir my-plugin
-cd my-plugin
-cp ../../.cursor/plugin_templates/*.template .
-# Edit files, replacing PLUGIN_ID and other placeholders
-```
-
-2. **Using dev_plugin_setup.sh**:
-```bash
-# Link from GitHub
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link-github my-plugin
-
-# Link local repo
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link my-plugin /path/to/repo
-```
-
-### Running the Display
-
-```bash
-# Emulator mode (development, no hardware required)
-python3 run.py --emulator
-# (equivalent: EMULATOR=true python3 run.py)
-
-# Hardware (production, requires the rpi-rgb-led-matrix submodule built)
-python3 run.py
-
-# As a systemd service
-sudo systemctl start ledmatrix
-
-# Dev preview server (renders plugins to a browser without running run.py)
-python3 scripts/dev_server.py  # then open http://localhost:5001
-```
-
-The `-e`/`--emulator` CLI flag is defined in `run.py:19-20` and
-sets `os.environ["EMULATOR"] = "true"` before any display imports,
-which `src/display_manager.py:2` then reads to switch between the
-hardware and emulator backends.
-
-### Managing Plugins
-
-```bash
-# List plugins
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh list
-
-# Check status
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh status
-
-# Update plugin(s)
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh update [plugin-name]
-
-# Unlink plugin
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh unlink <plugin-name>
-```
-
-## Using These Files with Cursor
-
-### `.cursorrules`
-Cursor automatically reads this file to understand:
-- Plugin structure and requirements
-- Development workflows
-- Best practices
-- Common patterns
-- API reference
-
-When asking Cursor to help with plugins, it will use this context to provide better assistance.
-
-### Plugin Templates
-Use templates when creating new plugins:
-1. Copy templates from `.cursor/plugin_templates/`
-2. Replace placeholders (PLUGIN_ID, PluginClassName, etc.)
-3. Customize for your plugin's needs
-4. Follow the guide in `plugins_guide.md`
-
-### Documentation
-Refer to `plugins_guide.md` for:
-- Detailed explanations
-- Troubleshooting steps
-- Best practices
-- Examples and patterns
-
-## Plugin Development Workflow
-
-1. **Plan**: Determine plugin functionality and requirements
-2. **Create**: Use templates or dev_plugin_setup.sh to create plugin structure
-3. **Develop**: Implement plugin logic following BasePlugin interface
-4. **Test**: Test with emulator first, then on hardware
-5. **Configure**: Add plugin config to config/config.json
-6. **Iterate**: Refine based on testing and feedback
-
-## Resources
-
-- **Plugin System**: `src/plugin_system/`
-- **Base Plugin**: `src/plugin_system/base_plugin.py`
-- **Plugin Manager**: `src/plugin_system/plugin_manager.py`
-- **Example Plugins**: see the
-  [`ledmatrix-plugins`](https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-plugins)
-  repo for canonical sources (e.g. `plugins/hockey-scoreboard/`,
-  `plugins/football-scoreboard/`). Installed plugins land in
-  `plugin-repos/` (default) or `plugins/` (dev fallback).
-- **Architecture Docs**: `docs/PLUGIN_ARCHITECTURE_SPEC.md`
-- **Development Setup**: `scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh`
-
-## Getting Help
-
-1. Check `plugins_guide.md` for detailed documentation
-2. Review `.cursorrules` for development patterns
-3. Look at existing plugins for examples
-4. Check logs for error messages
-5. Review plugin system code in `src/plugin_system/`
-

.cursor/plans/implement_audit_fixes_plan.md

@@ -1,202 +0,0 @@
-# Implementation Plan: Fix Config Schema Validation Issues
-
-Based on audit results showing 186 issues across 20 plugins.
-
-## Overview
-
-Three priority fixes identified from audit:
-1. **Priority 1 (HIGH)**: Remove core properties from required array - will fix ~150 issues
-2. **Priority 2 (MEDIUM)**: Verify default merging logic - will fix remaining required field issues
-3. **Priority 3 (LOW)**: Calendar plugin schema cleanup - will fix 3 extra field warnings
-
-## Priority 1: Remove Core Properties from Required Array
-
-### Problem
-Core properties (`enabled`, `display_duration`, `live_priority`) are system-managed but listed in schema `required` arrays. SchemaManager injects them into properties but doesn't remove them from `required`, causing validation failures.
-
-### Solution
-**File**: `src/plugin_system/schema_manager.py`
-**Location**: `validate_config_against_schema()` method, after line 295
-
-### Implementation Steps
-
-1. **Add code to remove core properties from required array**:
-   ```python
-   # After injecting core properties (around line 295), add:
-   # Remove core properties from required array (they're system-managed)
-   if "required" in enhanced_schema:
-       core_prop_names = list(core_properties.keys())
-       enhanced_schema["required"] = [
-           field for field in enhanced_schema["required"] 
-           if field not in core_prop_names
-       ]
-   ```
-
-2. **Add logging for debugging** (optional but helpful):
-   ```python
-   if "required" in enhanced_schema and core_prop_names:
-       removed_from_required = [
-           field for field in enhanced_schema.get("required", [])
-           if field in core_prop_names
-       ]
-       if removed_from_required and plugin_id:
-           self.logger.debug(
-               f"Removed core properties from required array for {plugin_id}: {removed_from_required}"
-           )
-   ```
-
-3. **Test the fix**:
-   - Run audit script: `python scripts/audit_plugin_configs.py`
-   - Expected: Issue count drops from 186 to ~30-40
-   - All "enabled" related errors should be eliminated
-
-### Expected Outcome
-- All 20 plugins should no longer fail validation due to missing `enabled` field
-- ~150 issues resolved (all enabled-related validation errors)
-
-## Priority 2: Verify Default Merging Logic
-
-### Problem
-Some plugins have required fields with defaults that should be applied before validation. Need to verify the default merging happens correctly and handles nested objects.
-
-### Solution
-**File**: `web_interface/blueprints/api_v3.py`
-**Location**: `save_plugin_config()` method, around lines 3218-3221
-
-### Implementation Steps
-
-1. **Review current default merging logic**:
-   - Check that `merge_with_defaults()` is called before validation (line 3220)
-   - Verify it's called after preserving enabled state but before validation
-
-2. **Verify merge_with_defaults handles nested objects**:
-   - Check `src/plugin_system/schema_manager.py` → `merge_with_defaults()` method
-   - Ensure it recursively merges nested objects (it does use deep_merge)
-   - Test with plugins that have nested required fields
-
-3. **Check if defaults are applied for nested required fields**:
-   - Review how `generate_default_config()` extracts defaults from nested schemas
-   - Verify nested required fields with defaults are included
-
-4. **Test with problematic plugins**:
-   - `ledmatrix-weather`: required fields `api_key`, `location_city` (check if defaults exist)
-   - `mqtt-notifications`: required field `mqtt` object (check if default exists)
-   - `text-display`: required field `text` (check if default exists)
-   - `ledmatrix-music`: required field `preferred_source` (check if default exists)
-
-5. **If defaults don't exist in schemas**:
-   - Either add defaults to schemas, OR
-   - Make fields optional in schemas if they're truly optional
-
-### Expected Outcome
-- Plugins with required fields that have schema defaults should pass validation
-- Issue count further reduced from ~30-40 to ~5-10
-
-## Priority 3: Calendar Plugin Schema Cleanup
-
-### Problem
-Calendar plugin config has fields not in schema:
-- `show_all_day` (config) but schema has `show_all_day_events` (field name mismatch)
-- `date_format` (not in schema, not used in manager.py)
-- `time_format` (not in schema, not used in manager.py)
-
-### Investigation Results
-- Schema defines: `show_all_day_events` (boolean, default: true)
-- Manager.py uses: `show_all_day_events` (line 82: `config.get('show_all_day_events', True)`)
-- Config has: `show_all_day` (wrong field name - should be `show_all_day_events`)
-- `date_format` and `time_format` appear to be deprecated (not used in manager.py)
-
-### Solution
-
-**File**: `config/config.json` → `calendar` section
-
-### Implementation Steps
-
-1. **Fix field name mismatch**:
-   - Rename `show_all_day` → `show_all_day_events` in config.json
-   - This matches the schema and manager.py code
-
-2. **Remove deprecated fields**:
-   - Remove `date_format` from config (not used in code)
-   - Remove `time_format` from config (not used in code)
-
-3. **Alternative (if fields are needed)**: Add `date_format` and `time_format` to schema
-   - Only if these fields should be supported
-   - Check if they're used anywhere else in the codebase
-
-4. **Test calendar plugin**:
-   - Run audit for calendar plugin specifically
-   - Verify no extra field warnings remain
-   - Test calendar plugin functionality to ensure it still works
-
-### Expected Outcome
-- Calendar plugin shows 0 extra field warnings
-- Final issue count: ~3-5 (only edge cases remain)
-
-## Testing Strategy
-
-### After Each Priority Fix
-
-1. **Run local audit**:
-   ```bash
-   python scripts/audit_plugin_configs.py
-   ```
-
-2. **Check issue count reduction**:
-   - Priority 1: Should drop from 186 to ~30-40
-   - Priority 2: Should drop from ~30-40 to ~5-10
-   - Priority 3: Should drop from ~5-10 to ~3-5
-
-3. **Review specific plugin results**:
-   ```bash
-   python scripts/audit_plugin_configs.py --plugin <plugin-id>
-   ```
-
-### After All Fixes
-
-1. **Full audit run**:
-   ```bash
-   python scripts/audit_plugin_configs.py
-   ```
-
-2. **Deploy to Pi**:
-   ```bash
-   ./scripts/deploy_to_pi.sh src/plugin_system/schema_manager.py web_interface/blueprints/api_v3.py
-   ```
-
-3. **Run audit on Pi**:
-   ```bash
-   ./scripts/run_audit_on_pi.sh
-   ```
-
-4. **Manual web interface testing**:
-   - Access each problematic plugin's config page
-   - Try saving configuration
-   - Verify no validation errors appear
-   - Check that configs save successfully
-
-## Success Criteria
-
-- [ ] Priority 1: All "enabled" related validation errors eliminated
-- [ ] Priority 1: Issue count reduced from 186 to ~30-40
-- [ ] Priority 2: Plugins with required fields + defaults pass validation
-- [ ] Priority 2: Issue count reduced to ~5-10
-- [ ] Priority 3: Calendar plugin extra field warnings resolved
-- [ ] Priority 3: Final issue count at ~3-5 (only edge cases)
-- [ ] All fixes work on Pi (not just local)
-- [ ] Web interface saves configs without validation errors
-
-## Files to Modify
-
-1. `src/plugin_system/schema_manager.py` - Remove core properties from required array
-2. `plugins/calendar/config_schema.json` OR `config/config.json` - Calendar cleanup (if needed)
-3. `web_interface/blueprints/api_v3.py` - May need minor adjustments for default merging (if needed)
-
-## Risk Assessment
-
-**Priority 1**: Low risk - Only affects validation logic, doesn't change behavior
-**Priority 2**: Low risk - Only ensures defaults are applied (already intended behavior)
-**Priority 3**: Very low risk - Only affects calendar plugin, cosmetic issue
-
-All changes are backward compatible and improve the system rather than changing core functionality.
-

.cursor/plugin_templates/QUICK_START.md

@@ -1,247 +0,0 @@
-# Quick Start: Creating a New Plugin
-
-This guide will help you create a new plugin using the templates in `.cursor/plugin_templates/`.
-
-## Step 1: Create Plugin Directory
-
-```bash
-cd /path/to/LEDMatrix
-mkdir -p plugins/my-plugin
-cd plugins/my-plugin
-```
-
-## Step 2: Copy Templates
-
-```bash
-# Copy all template files
-cp ../../.cursor/plugin_templates/manifest.json.template ./manifest.json
-cp ../../.cursor/plugin_templates/manager.py.template ./manager.py
-cp ../../.cursor/plugin_templates/config_schema.json.template ./config_schema.json
-cp ../../.cursor/plugin_templates/README.md.template ./README.md
-cp ../../.cursor/plugin_templates/requirements.txt.template ./requirements.txt
-```
-
-## Step 3: Customize Files
-
-### manifest.json
-
-Replace placeholders:
-- `PLUGIN_ID` → `my-plugin` (lowercase, use hyphens)
-- `Plugin Name` → Your plugin's display name
-- `PluginClassName` → `MyPlugin` (PascalCase)
-- Update description, author, homepage, etc.
-
-### manager.py
-
-Replace placeholders:
-- `PluginClassName` → `MyPlugin` (must match manifest)
-- Implement `_fetch_data()` method
-- Implement `_render_content()` method
-- Add any custom validation in `validate_config()`
-
-### config_schema.json
-
-Customize:
-- Update description
-- Add/remove configuration properties
-- Set default values
-- Add validation rules
-
-### README.md
-
-Replace placeholders:
-- `PLUGIN_ID` → `my-plugin`
-- `Plugin Name` → Your plugin's name
-- Fill in features, installation, configuration sections
-
-### requirements.txt
-
-Add your plugin's dependencies:
-```txt
-requests>=2.28.0
-pillow>=9.0.0
-```
-
-## Step 4: Enable Plugin
-
-Edit `config/config.json`:
-
-```json
-{
-  "my-plugin": {
-    "enabled": true,
-    "display_duration": 15
-  }
-}
-```
-
-## Step 5: Test Plugin
-
-### Test with Emulator
-
-```bash
-cd /path/to/LEDMatrix
-python run.py --emulator
-```
-
-### Check Plugin Loading
-
-Look for logs like:
-```
-[INFO] Discovered 1 plugin(s)
-[INFO] Loaded plugin: my-plugin v1.0.0
-[INFO] Added plugin mode: my-plugin
-```
-
-### Test Plugin Display
-
-The plugin should appear in the display rotation. Check logs for any errors.
-
-## Step 6: Develop and Iterate
-
-1. Edit `manager.py` to implement your plugin logic
-2. Test with emulator: `python run.py --emulator`
-3. Check logs for errors
-4. Iterate until working correctly
-
-## Step 7: Test on Hardware (Optional)
-
-When ready, test on Raspberry Pi:
-
-```bash
-# Deploy to Pi
-rsync -avz plugins/my-plugin/ pi@raspberrypi:/path/to/LEDMatrix/plugins/my-plugin/
-
-# Or if using git
-ssh pi@raspberrypi "cd /path/to/LEDMatrix/plugins/my-plugin && git pull"
-
-# Restart service
-ssh pi@raspberrypi "sudo systemctl restart ledmatrix"
-```
-
-## Common Customizations
-
-### Adding API Integration
-
-1. Add API key to `config_schema.json`:
-```json
-{
-  "api_key": {
-    "type": "string",
-    "description": "API key for service"
-  }
-}
-```
-
-2. Implement API call in `_fetch_data()`:
-```python
-import requests
-
-def _fetch_data(self):
-    response = requests.get(
-        "https://api.example.com/data",
-        headers={"Authorization": f"Bearer {self.api_key}"}
-    )
-    return response.json()
-```
-
-3. Store API key in `config/config_secrets.json`:
-```json
-{
-  "my-plugin": {
-    "api_key": "your-secret-key"
-  }
-}
-```
-
-### Adding Image Rendering
-
-There is no `draw_image()` helper on `DisplayManager`. To render an
-image, paste it directly onto the underlying PIL `Image`
-(`display_manager.image`) and then call `update_display()`:
-
-```python
-def _render_content(self):
-    # Load and paste image onto the display canvas
-    image = Image.open("assets/logo.png").convert("RGB")
-    self.display_manager.image.paste(image, (0, 0))
-
-    # Draw text overlay
-    self.display_manager.draw_text(
-        "Text",
-        x=10, y=20,
-        color=(255, 255, 255)
-    )
-
-    self.display_manager.update_display()
-```
-
-For transparency, paste with a mask:
-
-```python
-icon = Image.open("assets/icon.png").convert("RGBA")
-self.display_manager.image.paste(icon, (5, 5), icon)
-```
-
-
-### Adding Live Priority
-
-1. Enable in config:
-```json
-{
-  "my-plugin": {
-    "live_priority": true
-  }
-}
-```
-
-2. Implement `has_live_content()`:
-```python
-def has_live_content(self) -> bool:
-    return self.data and self.data.get("is_live", False)
-```
-
-3. Override `get_live_modes()` if needed:
-```python
-def get_live_modes(self) -> list:
-    return ["my_plugin_live_mode"]
-```
-
-## Troubleshooting
-
-### Plugin Not Loading
-
-- Check `manifest.json` syntax (must be valid JSON)
-- Verify `entry_point` file exists
-- Ensure `class_name` matches class name in manager.py
-- Check for import errors in logs
-
-### Configuration Errors
-
-- Validate config against `config_schema.json`
-- Check required fields are present
-- Verify data types match schema
-
-### Display Issues
-
-- Check display dimensions: `display_manager.width`, `display_manager.height`
-- Verify coordinates are within bounds
-- Ensure `update_display()` is called
-- Test with emulator first
-
-## Next Steps
-
-- Review existing plugins for patterns:
-  - `plugins/hockey-scoreboard/` - Sports scoreboard example
-  - `plugins/ledmatrix-music/` - Real-time data example
-  - `plugins/ledmatrix-stocks/` - Data display example
-
-- Read full documentation:
-  - `.cursor/plugins_guide.md` - Comprehensive guide
-  - `docs/PLUGIN_ARCHITECTURE_SPEC.md` - Architecture details
-  - `.cursorrules` - Development rules
-
-- Check plugin system code:
-  - `src/plugin_system/base_plugin.py` - Base class
-  - `src/plugin_system/plugin_manager.py` - Plugin manager
-

.cursor/plugin_templates/README.md.template

@@ -1,156 +0,0 @@
-# Plugin Name
-
-Brief description of what this plugin does.
-
-## Features
-
-- Feature 1
-- Feature 2
-- Feature 3
-
-## Installation
-
-1. Link the plugin to your LEDMatrix installation:
-
-```bash
-cd /path/to/LEDMatrix
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link-github PLUGIN_ID
-```
-
-Or for local development:
-
-```bash
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link PLUGIN_ID /path/to/plugin/repo
-```
-
-2. Install dependencies:
-
-```bash
-pip install -r plugins/PLUGIN_ID/requirements.txt
-```
-
-3. Configure the plugin in `config/config.json`:
-
-```json
-{
-  "PLUGIN_ID": {
-    "enabled": true,
-    "display_duration": 15
-  }
-}
-```
-
-**Note:** API keys and other sensitive credentials must be stored in `config/config_secrets.json`, not in `config/config.json`.
-
-4. Store API keys in `config/config_secrets.json`:
-
-```json
-{
-  "PLUGIN_ID": {
-    "api_key": "your-secret-api-key"
-  }
-}
-```
-
-## Configuration
-
-### Required Settings
-
-- `enabled` (boolean): Enable or disable the plugin
-- `api_key` (string): API key for external service (if required)
-
-### Optional Settings
-
-- `display_duration` (number): How long to display this plugin (default: 15 seconds)
-- `refresh_interval` (integer): How often to refresh data in seconds (default: 60)
-- `live_priority` (boolean): Enable live priority takeover (default: false)
-
-## Display Modes
-
-This plugin provides the following display modes:
-
-- `PLUGIN_ID`: Main display mode
-
-## API Requirements
-
-This plugin requires:
-
-- **API Name**: Description of API requirements
-  - URL: https://api.example.com
-  - Rate Limit: X requests per minute
-  - Authentication: API key required
-
-## Development
-
-### Running Tests
-
-```bash
-cd plugins/PLUGIN_ID
-python test_PLUGIN_ID.py
-```
-
-### Testing with Emulator
-
-```bash
-cd /path/to/LEDMatrix
-python run.py --emulator
-```
-
-### Debugging
-
-Enable debug logging in `config/config.json`:
-
-```json
-{
-  "logging": {
-    "level": "DEBUG"
-  }
-}
-```
-
-Check logs:
-
-```bash
-# On Raspberry Pi (if running as service)
-journalctl -u ledmatrix -f
-
-# Direct execution
-python run.py
-```
-
-## Troubleshooting
-
-### Plugin Not Loading
-
-1. Check that `manifest.json` exists and is valid
-2. Verify `entry_point` file exists
-3. Check that `class_name` matches the class in manager.py
-4. Review logs for import errors
-
-### Configuration Errors
-
-1. Validate config against `config_schema.json`
-2. Check required fields are present
-3. Verify data types match schema
-
-### API Errors
-
-1. Verify API key is correct
-2. Check API rate limits
-3. Review network connectivity
-4. Check API service status
-
-## License
-
-[License information]
-
-## Author
-
-Your Name
-
-## Links
-
-- GitHub: https://github.com/username/ledmatrix-PLUGIN_ID
-- Documentation: [Link to docs]
-- Issues: https://github.com/username/ledmatrix-PLUGIN_ID/issues
-

.cursor/plugin_templates/config_schema.json.template

@@ -1,44 +0,0 @@
-{
-  "$schema": "http://json-schema.org/draft-07/schema#",
-  "type": "object",
-  "title": "Plugin Configuration Schema",
-  "description": "Configuration schema for Plugin Name",
-  "properties": {
-    "enabled": {
-      "type": "boolean",
-      "default": true,
-      "description": "Enable or disable this plugin"
-    },
-    "display_duration": {
-      "type": "number",
-      "default": 15,
-      "minimum": 1,
-      "maximum": 300,
-      "description": "How long to display this plugin in seconds"
-    },
-    "live_priority": {
-      "type": "boolean",
-      "default": false,
-      "description": "Enable live priority takeover when plugin has live content"
-    },
-    "refresh_interval": {
-      "type": "integer",
-      "default": 60,
-      "minimum": 1,
-      "description": "How often to refresh data in seconds"
-    },
-    "api_key": {
-      "type": "string",
-      "description": "API key for external service (store in config_secrets.json)",
-      "default": ""
-    },
-    "custom_setting": {
-      "type": "string",
-      "description": "Example custom setting - replace with your plugin's settings",
-      "default": "default_value"
-    }
-  },
-  "required": ["enabled"],
-  "additionalProperties": false
-}
-

.cursor/plugin_templates/manager.py.template

@@ -1,226 +0,0 @@
-"""
-Plugin Name
-
-Brief description of what this plugin does.
-
-API Version: 1.0.0
-"""
-
-from src.plugin_system.base_plugin import BasePlugin
-from PIL import Image
-from typing import Dict, Any, Optional
-import logging
-import time
-
-
-class PluginClassName(BasePlugin):
-    """
-    Plugin class that inherits from BasePlugin.
-    
-    This plugin demonstrates the basic structure and common patterns
-    for LEDMatrix plugins.
-    """
-    
-    def __init__(
-        self,
-        plugin_id: str,
-        config: Dict[str, Any],
-        display_manager,
-        cache_manager,
-        plugin_manager,
-    ):
-        """Initialize the plugin."""
-        super().__init__(plugin_id, config, display_manager, cache_manager, plugin_manager)
-        
-        # Initialize plugin-specific data
-        self.data = None
-        self.last_update_time = None
-        
-        # Load configuration values
-        self.api_key = config.get("api_key", "")
-        self.refresh_interval = config.get("refresh_interval", 60)
-        
-        self.logger.info(f"Plugin {plugin_id} initialized")
-    
-    def update(self) -> None:
-        """
-        Fetch/update data for this plugin.
-        
-        This method is called periodically based on update_interval
-        specified in the manifest. Use cache_manager to avoid
-        excessive API calls.
-        """
-        cache_key = f"{self.plugin_id}_data"
-        
-        # Check cache first
-        cached = self.cache_manager.get(cache_key, max_age=self.refresh_interval)
-        if cached:
-            self.data = cached
-            self.logger.debug("Using cached data")
-            return
-        
-        try:
-            # Fetch new data
-            self.data = self._fetch_data()
-            
-            # Cache the data
-            self.cache_manager.set(cache_key, self.data, ttl=self.refresh_interval)
-            self.last_update_time = time.time()
-            
-            self.logger.info("Data updated successfully")
-            
-        except Exception as e:
-            self.logger.error(f"Failed to update data: {e}")
-            # Use cached data if available, even if expired
-            # Use a very large max_age (1 year) to effectively bypass expiration for fallback
-            expired_cached = self.cache_manager.get(cache_key, max_age=31536000)
-            if expired_cached:
-                self.data = expired_cached
-                self.logger.warning("Using expired cache due to update failure")
-    
-    def display(self, force_clear: bool = False) -> None:
-        """
-        Render this plugin's display.
-        
-        Args:
-            force_clear: If True, clear display before rendering
-        """
-        if force_clear:
-            self.display_manager.clear()
-        
-        # Check if we have data to display
-        if not self.data:
-            self._display_error("No data available")
-            return
-        
-        try:
-            # Render plugin content
-            self._render_content()
-            
-            # Update the display
-            self.display_manager.update_display()
-            
-        except Exception as e:
-            self.logger.error(f"Display error: {e}")
-            self._display_error("Display error")
-    
-    def _fetch_data(self) -> Dict[str, Any]:
-        """
-        Fetch data from external source.
-        
-        Returns:
-            Dictionary containing fetched data
-        """
-        # TODO: Implement data fetching logic
-        # Example:
-        # import requests
-        # response = requests.get("https://api.example.com/data", 
-        #                        headers={"Authorization": f"Bearer {self.api_key}"})
-        # return response.json()
-        
-        # Placeholder
-        return {
-            "message": "Hello, World!",
-            "timestamp": time.time()
-        }
-    
-    def _render_content(self) -> None:
-        """Render the plugin content on the display."""
-        # Get display dimensions
-        width = self.display_manager.width
-        height = self.display_manager.height
-        
-        # Example: Draw text
-        text = self.data.get("message", "No data")
-        x = 5
-        y = height // 2
-        
-        self.display_manager.draw_text(
-            text,
-            x=x,
-            y=y,
-            color=(255, 255, 255)  # White
-        )
-        
-        # Example: Draw image
-        # if hasattr(self, 'logo_image'):
-        #     self.display_manager.draw_image(
-        #         self.logo_image,
-        #         x=0,
-        #         y=0
-        #     )
-    
-    def _display_error(self, message: str) -> None:
-        """Display an error message."""
-        self.display_manager.clear()
-        width = self.display_manager.width
-        height = self.display_manager.height
-        
-        self.display_manager.draw_text(
-            message,
-            x=5,
-            y=height // 2,
-            color=(255, 0, 0)  # Red
-        )
-        self.display_manager.update_display()
-    
-    def validate_config(self) -> bool:
-        """
-        Validate plugin configuration.
-        
-        Returns:
-            True if config is valid, False otherwise
-        """
-        # Call parent validation first
-        if not super().validate_config():
-            return False
-        
-        # Add custom validation
-        # Example: Check for required API key
-        # if self.config.get("require_api_key", True):
-        #     if not self.api_key:
-        #         self.logger.error("API key is required but not provided")
-        #         return False
-        
-        return True
-    
-    def has_live_content(self) -> bool:
-        """
-        Check if plugin has live content to display.
-        
-        Override this method to enable live priority features.
-        
-        Returns:
-            True if plugin has live content, False otherwise
-        """
-        # Example: Check if there's live data
-        # return self.data and self.data.get("is_live", False)
-        return False
-    
-    def get_info(self) -> Dict[str, Any]:
-        """
-        Return plugin info for display in web UI.
-        
-        Returns:
-            Dictionary with plugin information
-        """
-        info = super().get_info()
-        
-        # Add plugin-specific info
-        info.update({
-            "data_available": self.data is not None,
-            "last_update": self.last_update_time,
-            # Add more info as needed
-        })
-        
-        return info
-    
-    def cleanup(self) -> None:
-        """Cleanup resources when plugin is unloaded."""
-        # Clean up any resources (threads, connections, etc.)
-        # Example:
-        # if hasattr(self, 'api_client'):
-        #     self.api_client.close()
-        
-        super().cleanup()
-

.cursor/plugin_templates/manifest.json.template

@@ -1,55 +0,0 @@
-{
-  "id": "PLUGIN_ID",
-  "name": "Plugin Name",
-  "version": "1.0.0",
-  "author": "Your Name",
-  "description": "Brief description of what this plugin does",
-  "homepage": "https://github.com/username/ledmatrix-PLUGIN_ID",
-  "entry_point": "manager.py",
-  "class_name": "PluginClassName",
-  "category": "custom",
-  "tags": ["custom", "example"],
-  "icon": "fas fa-icon-name",
-  "compatible_versions": [">=2.0.0"],
-  "min_ledmatrix_version": "2.0.0",
-  "max_ledmatrix_version": "3.0.0",
-  "requires": {
-    "python": ">=3.9",
-    "display_size": {
-      "min_width": 64,
-      "min_height": 32
-    }
-  },
-  "config_schema": "config_schema.json",
-  "assets": {
-    "logos": "Optional: Description of asset requirements"
-  },
-  "update_interval": 60,
-  "default_duration": 15,
-  "display_modes": [
-    "PLUGIN_ID"
-  ],
-  "api_requirements": [
-    {
-      "name": "API Name",
-      "required": false,
-      "description": "Description of API requirements",
-      "url": "https://api.example.com",
-      "rate_limit": "Rate limit information"
-    }
-  ],
-  "download_url_template": "https://github.com/username/ledmatrix-PLUGIN_ID/archive/refs/tags/v{version}.zip",
-  "versions": [
-    {
-      "released": "2025-01-01",
-      "version": "1.0.0",
-      "ledmatrix_min_version": "2.0.0"
-    }
-  ],
-  "last_updated": "2025-01-01",
-  "stars": 0,
-  "downloads": 0,
-  "verified": false,
-  "screenshot": ""
-}
-

.cursor/plugin_templates/requirements.txt.template

@@ -1,13 +0,0 @@
-# Plugin Dependencies
-# Add your plugin's Python dependencies here
-
-# Example dependencies (uncomment and modify as needed):
-# requests>=2.28.0
-# pillow>=9.0.0
-# python-dateutil>=2.8.0
-
-# Note: Core LEDMatrix dependencies are already available:
-# - PIL/Pillow (for image handling)
-# - Core plugin system classes
-# - Display manager, cache manager, config manager
-

.cursor/plugin_templates/test_manager.py.template

@@ -1,136 +0,0 @@
-"""
-Test file for Plugin Name plugin.
-
-This file provides example unit tests for your plugin.
-Run tests with: python -m pytest test_manager.py
-Or: python test_manager.py
-"""
-
-import unittest
-import sys
-from pathlib import Path
-
-# Add project root to path
-PROJECT_ROOT = Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent.parent
-if str(PROJECT_ROOT) not in sys.path:
-    sys.path.insert(0, str(PROJECT_ROOT))
-
-from src.plugin_system.testing import PluginTestCase
-from manager import PluginClassName
-
-
-class TestPluginClassName(PluginTestCase):
-    """Test cases for PluginClassName plugin."""
-    
-    def setUp(self):
-        """Set up test fixtures."""
-        super().setUp()
-        
-        # Update plugin_id to match the plugin being tested
-        self.plugin_id = 'PLUGIN_ID'
-        
-        # Create plugin instance
-        self.plugin = self.create_plugin_instance(
-            PluginClassName,
-            plugin_id='PLUGIN_ID',
-            config=self.get_mock_config()
-        )
-    
-    def test_plugin_initialization(self):
-        """Test that plugin initializes correctly."""
-        self.assert_plugin_initialized(self.plugin)
-        self.assertTrue(self.plugin.enabled)
-    
-    def test_config_validation(self):
-        """Test configuration validation."""
-        # Valid config should pass
-        self.assertTrue(self.plugin.validate_config())
-        
-        # Test with invalid config if applicable
-        # invalid_config = self.get_mock_config(enabled='not-a-boolean')
-        # invalid_plugin = self.create_plugin_instance(
-        #     PluginClassName,
-        #     config=invalid_config
-        # )
-        # self.assertFalse(invalid_plugin.validate_config())
-    
-    def test_update_method(self):
-        """Test the update() method."""
-        # Reset mocks
-        self.cache_manager.reset()
-        
-        # Call update
-        self.plugin.update()
-        
-        # Assertions
-        # Example: Check that cache was used
-        # self.assert_cache_get('PLUGIN_ID_data')
-        
-        # Example: Check that data was fetched and cached
-        # self.assert_cache_set('PLUGIN_ID_data')
-    
-    def test_display_method(self):
-        """Test the display() method."""
-        # Ensure plugin has data (call update first if needed)
-        # self.plugin.update()
-        
-        # Call display
-        self.plugin.display(force_clear=True)
-        
-        # Assertions
-        self.assert_display_cleared()
-        self.assert_display_updated()
-        
-        # Example: Check that text was drawn
-        # self.assert_text_drawn("Expected Text")
-        
-        # Example: Check that image was drawn
-        # self.assert_image_drawn()
-    
-    def test_display_without_data(self):
-        """Test display() behavior when no data is available."""
-        # Clear any cached data
-        self.cache_manager.reset()
-        
-        # Call display
-        self.plugin.display()
-        
-        # Should handle gracefully (no exceptions)
-        # May show error message or fallback content
-        self.assert_display_updated()
-    
-    def test_get_display_duration(self):
-        """Test display duration configuration."""
-        duration = self.plugin.get_display_duration()
-        self.assertIsInstance(duration, (int, float))
-        self.assertGreater(duration, 0)
-        
-        # Test with custom duration
-        custom_config = self.get_mock_config(display_duration=30.0)
-        custom_plugin = self.create_plugin_instance(
-            PluginClassName,
-            config=custom_config
-        )
-        self.assertEqual(custom_plugin.get_display_duration(), 30.0)
-    
-    def test_enable_disable(self):
-        """Test plugin enable/disable functionality."""
-        self.assertTrue(self.plugin.enabled)
-        
-        self.plugin.on_disable()
-        self.assertFalse(self.plugin.enabled)
-        
-        self.plugin.on_enable()
-        self.assertTrue(self.plugin.enabled)
-    
-    def test_config_change(self):
-        """Test configuration change handling."""
-        new_config = self.get_mock_config(display_duration=20.0)
-        self.plugin.on_config_change(new_config)
-        
-        self.assertEqual(self.plugin.config.get('display_duration'), 20.0)
-
-
-if __name__ == '__main__':
-    unittest.main()
-

.cursor/plugins_guide.md

@@ -1,751 +0,0 @@
-# LEDMatrix Plugin Development Guide
-
-This guide provides comprehensive instructions for creating, running, and loading plugins in the LEDMatrix project.
-
-## Table of Contents
-
-1. [Plugin System Overview](#plugin-system-overview)
-2. [Creating a New Plugin](#creating-a-new-plugin)
-3. [Running Plugins](#running-plugins)
-4. [Loading Plugins](#loading-plugins)
-5. [Plugin Development Workflow](#plugin-development-workflow)
-6. [Testing Plugins](#testing-plugins)
-7. [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting)
-
----
-
-## Plugin System Overview
-
-The LEDMatrix project uses a plugin-based architecture where all display functionality (except core calendar) is implemented as plugins. Plugins are dynamically loaded from the `plugins/` directory and integrated into the display rotation.
-
-### Plugin Architecture
-
-```
-LEDMatrix Core
-├── Plugin Manager (discovers, loads, manages plugins)
-├── Display Manager (handles LED matrix rendering)
-├── Cache Manager (data persistence)
-├── Config Manager (configuration management)
-└── Plugins/ (plugin directory)
-    ├── plugin-1/
-    ├── plugin-2/
-    └── ...
-```
-
-### Plugin Lifecycle
-
-1. **Discovery**: PluginManager scans `plugins/` for directories with `manifest.json`
-2. **Loading**: Plugin module is imported and class is instantiated
-3. **Configuration**: Plugin config is loaded from `config/config.json`
-4. **Validation**: `validate_config()` is called to verify configuration
-5. **Registration**: Plugin is added to available display modes
-6. **Execution**: `update()` is called periodically, `display()` is called during rotation
-
----
-
-## Creating a New Plugin
-
-### Method 1: Using dev_plugin_setup.sh (Recommended)
-
-This method is best for plugins stored in separate Git repositories.
-
-#### From GitHub Repository
-
-```bash
-# Link a plugin from GitHub (auto-detects URL)
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link-github <plugin-name>
-
-# Example: Link hockey-scoreboard plugin
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link-github hockey-scoreboard
-
-# With custom URL
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link-github <plugin-name> https://github.com/user/repo.git
-```
-
-The script will:
-- Clone the repository to `~/.ledmatrix-dev-plugins/` (or configured directory)
-- Create a symlink in `plugins/<plugin-name>/` pointing to the cloned repo
-- Validate the plugin structure
-
-#### From Local Repository
-
-```bash
-# Link a local plugin repository
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link <plugin-name> <path-to-repo>
-
-# Example: Link a local plugin
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link my-plugin ../ledmatrix-my-plugin
-```
-
-### Method 2: Manual Plugin Creation
-
-1. **Create Plugin Directory**
-
-```bash
-mkdir -p plugins/my-plugin
-cd plugins/my-plugin
-```
-
-2. **Create manifest.json**
-
-```json
-{
-  "id": "my-plugin",
-  "name": "My Plugin",
-  "version": "1.0.0",
-  "author": "Your Name",
-  "description": "Description of what this plugin does",
-  "entry_point": "manager.py",
-  "class_name": "MyPlugin",
-  "category": "custom",
-  "tags": ["custom", "example"],
-  "display_modes": ["my_plugin"],
-  "update_interval": 60,
-  "default_duration": 15,
-  "requires": {
-    "python": ">=3.9"
-  },
-  "config_schema": "config_schema.json"
-}
-```
-
-3. **Create manager.py**
-
-```python
-from src.plugin_system.base_plugin import BasePlugin
-from PIL import Image
-import logging
-
-class MyPlugin(BasePlugin):
-    """My custom plugin implementation."""
-    
-    def update(self):
-        """Fetch/update data for this plugin."""
-        # Fetch data from API, files, etc.
-        # Use self.cache_manager for caching
-        cache_key = f"{self.plugin_id}_data"
-        cached = self.cache_manager.get(cache_key, max_age=3600)
-        if cached:
-            self.data = cached
-            return
-        
-        # Fetch new data
-        self.data = self._fetch_data()
-        self.cache_manager.set(cache_key, self.data)
-    
-    def display(self, force_clear=False):
-        """Render this plugin's display."""
-        if force_clear:
-            self.display_manager.clear()
-        
-        # Render content using display_manager
-        self.display_manager.draw_text(
-            "Hello, World!",
-            x=10, y=15,
-            color=(255, 255, 255)
-        )
-        
-        self.display_manager.update_display()
-    
-    def _fetch_data(self):
-        """Fetch data from external source."""
-        # Implement your data fetching logic
-        return {"message": "Hello, World!"}
-    
-    def validate_config(self):
-        """Validate plugin configuration."""
-        # Check required config fields
-        if not super().validate_config():
-            return False
-        
-        # Add custom validation
-        required_fields = ['api_key']  # Example
-        for field in required_fields:
-            if field not in self.config:
-                self.logger.error(f"Missing required field: {field}")
-                return False
-        
-        return True
-```
-
-4. **Create config_schema.json**
-
-```json
-{
-  "type": "object",
-  "properties": {
-    "enabled": {
-      "type": "boolean",
-      "default": true,
-      "description": "Enable or disable this plugin"
-    },
-    "display_duration": {
-      "type": "number",
-      "default": 15,
-      "minimum": 1,
-      "description": "How long to display this plugin (seconds)"
-    },
-    "api_key": {
-      "type": "string",
-      "description": "API key for external service"
-    }
-  },
-  "required": ["enabled"]
-}
-```
-
-5. **Create requirements.txt** (if needed)
-
-```
-requests>=2.28.0
-pillow>=9.0.0
-```
-
-6. **Create README.md**
-
-Document your plugin's functionality, configuration options, and usage.
-
----
-
-## Running Plugins
-
-### Development Mode (Emulator)
-
-Run the LEDMatrix system with emulator for plugin testing:
-
-```bash
-# Using run.py
-python run.py --emulator
-
-# Using emulator script
-./run_emulator.sh
-```
-
-The emulator will:
-- Load all enabled plugins
-- Display plugin content in a window (simulating LED matrix)
-- Show logs for plugin loading and execution
-- Allow testing without Raspberry Pi hardware
-
-### Production Mode (Raspberry Pi)
-
-Run on actual Raspberry Pi hardware:
-
-```bash
-# Direct execution
-python run.py
-
-# As systemd service
-sudo systemctl start ledmatrix
-sudo systemctl status ledmatrix
-sudo journalctl -u ledmatrix -f  # View logs
-```
-
-### Plugin-Specific Testing
-
-Test individual plugin loading:
-
-```python
-# test_my_plugin.py
-from src.plugin_system.plugin_manager import PluginManager
-from src.config_manager import ConfigManager
-from src.display_manager import DisplayManager
-from src.cache_manager import CacheManager
-
-# Initialize managers
-config_manager = ConfigManager()
-config = config_manager.load_config()
-display_manager = DisplayManager(config)
-cache_manager = CacheManager()
-
-# Initialize plugin manager
-plugin_manager = PluginManager(
-    plugins_dir="plugins",
-    config_manager=config_manager,
-    display_manager=display_manager,
-    cache_manager=cache_manager
-)
-
-# Discover and load plugin
-plugins = plugin_manager.discover_plugins()
-print(f"Discovered plugins: {plugins}")
-
-if "my-plugin" in plugins:
-    if plugin_manager.load_plugin("my-plugin"):
-        plugin = plugin_manager.get_plugin("my-plugin")
-        plugin.update()
-        plugin.display()
-        print("Plugin loaded and displayed successfully!")
-    else:
-        print("Failed to load plugin")
-```
-
----
-
-## Loading Plugins
-
-### Enabling Plugins
-
-Plugins are enabled/disabled in `config/config.json`:
-
-```json
-{
-  "my-plugin": {
-    "enabled": true,
-    "display_duration": 15,
-    "api_key": "your-api-key-here"
-  }
-}
-```
-
-### Plugin Configuration Structure
-
-Each plugin has its own section in `config/config.json`:
-
-```json
-{
-  "<plugin-id>": {
-    "enabled": true,                    // Enable/disable plugin
-    "display_duration": 15,             // Display duration in seconds
-    "live_priority": false,             // Enable live priority takeover
-    "high_performance_transitions": false, // Use 120 FPS transitions
-    "transition": {                     // Transition configuration
-      "type": "redraw",                 // Transition type
-      "speed": 2,                       // Transition speed
-      "enabled": true                   // Enable transitions
-    },
-    // ... plugin-specific configuration
-  }
-}
-```
-
-### Secrets Management
-
-Store sensitive data (API keys, tokens) in `config/config_secrets.json`
-under the same plugin id you use in `config/config.json`:
-
-```json
-{
-  "my-plugin": {
-    "api_key": "secret-api-key-here"
-  }
-}
-```
-
-At load time, the config manager deep-merges `config_secrets.json` into
-the main config (verified at `src/config_manager.py:162-172`). So in
-your plugin's code:
-
-```python
-class MyPlugin(BasePlugin):
-    def __init__(self, plugin_id, config, display_manager, cache_manager, plugin_manager):
-        super().__init__(plugin_id, config, display_manager, cache_manager, plugin_manager)
-        self.api_key = config.get("api_key")  # already merged from secrets
-```
-
-There is no separate `config_secrets` reference field — just put the
-secret value under the same plugin namespace and read it from the
-merged config.
-
-### Plugin Discovery
-
-Plugins are automatically discovered when:
-- Directory exists in `plugins/`
-- Directory contains `manifest.json`
-- Manifest has required fields (`id`, `entry_point`, `class_name`)
-
-Check discovered plugins:
-
-```bash
-# Using dev_plugin_setup.sh
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh list
-
-# Output shows:
-# ✓ plugin-name (symlink)
-#   → /path/to/repo
-#   ✓ Git repo is clean (branch: main)
-```
-
-### Plugin Status
-
-Check plugin status and git information:
-
-```bash
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh status
-
-# Output shows:
-# ✓ plugin-name
-#   Path: /path/to/repo
-#   Branch: main
-#   Remote: https://github.com/user/repo.git
-#   Status: Clean and up to date
-```
-
----
-
-## Plugin Development Workflow
-
-### 1. Initial Setup
-
-```bash
-# Create or clone plugin repository
-git clone https://github.com/user/ledmatrix-my-plugin.git
-cd ledmatrix-my-plugin
-
-# Link to LEDMatrix project
-cd /path/to/LEDMatrix
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link my-plugin ../ledmatrix-my-plugin
-```
-
-### 2. Development Cycle
-
-1. **Edit plugin code** in linked repository
-2. **Test with the dev preview server**:
-   `python3 scripts/dev_server.py` (then open `http://localhost:5001`).
-   Or run the full display in emulator mode with
-   `python3 run.py --emulator` (or equivalently
-   `EMULATOR=true python3 run.py`). The `-e`/`--emulator` CLI flag is
-   defined in `run.py:19-20` and sets the same `EMULATOR` environment
-   variable internally.
-3. **Check logs** for errors or warnings
-4. **Update configuration** in `config/config.json` if needed
-5. **Iterate** until plugin works correctly
-
-### 3. Testing on Hardware
-
-```bash
-# Deploy to Raspberry Pi
-rsync -avz plugins/my-plugin/ ledpi@your-pi-ip:/path/to/LEDMatrix/plugins/my-plugin/
-
-# Or if using git, pull on Pi
-ssh ledpi@your-pi-ip "cd /path/to/LEDMatrix/plugins/my-plugin && git pull"
-
-# Restart service
-ssh ledpi@your-pi-ip "sudo systemctl restart ledmatrix"
-```
-
-### 4. Updating Plugins
-
-```bash
-# Update single plugin from git
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh update my-plugin
-
-# Update all linked plugins
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh update
-```
-
-### 5. Unlinking Plugins
-
-```bash
-# Remove symlink (preserves repository)
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh unlink my-plugin
-```
-
----
-
-## Testing Plugins
-
-### Unit Testing
-
-Create test files in plugin directory:
-
-```python
-# plugins/my-plugin/test_my_plugin.py
-import unittest
-from unittest.mock import Mock, MagicMock
-from manager import MyPlugin
-
-class TestMyPlugin(unittest.TestCase):
-    def setUp(self):
-        self.config = {"enabled": True}
-        self.display_manager = Mock()
-        self.cache_manager = Mock()
-        self.plugin_manager = Mock()
-        
-        self.plugin = MyPlugin(
-            plugin_id="my-plugin",
-            config=self.config,
-            display_manager=self.display_manager,
-            cache_manager=self.cache_manager,
-            plugin_manager=self.plugin_manager
-        )
-    
-    def test_plugin_initialization(self):
-        self.assertEqual(self.plugin.plugin_id, "my-plugin")
-        self.assertTrue(self.plugin.enabled)
-    
-    def test_config_validation(self):
-        self.assertTrue(self.plugin.validate_config())
-    
-    def test_update(self):
-        self.cache_manager.get.return_value = None
-        self.plugin.update()
-        # Assert data was fetched and cached
-    
-    def test_display(self):
-        self.plugin.display()
-        self.display_manager.draw_text.assert_called()
-        self.display_manager.update_display.assert_called()
-
-if __name__ == '__main__':
-    unittest.main()
-```
-
-Run tests:
-
-```bash
-cd plugins/my-plugin
-python -m pytest test_my_plugin.py
-# or
-python test_my_plugin.py
-```
-
-### Integration Testing
-
-Test plugin with actual managers:
-
-```python
-# test_plugin_integration.py
-from src.plugin_system.plugin_manager import PluginManager
-from src.config_manager import ConfigManager
-from src.display_manager import DisplayManager
-from src.cache_manager import CacheManager
-
-def test_plugin_loading():
-    config_manager = ConfigManager()
-    config = config_manager.load_config()
-    display_manager = DisplayManager(config)
-    cache_manager = CacheManager()
-    
-    plugin_manager = PluginManager(
-        plugins_dir="plugins",
-        config_manager=config_manager,
-        display_manager=display_manager,
-        cache_manager=cache_manager
-    )
-    
-    plugins = plugin_manager.discover_plugins()
-    assert "my-plugin" in plugins
-    
-    assert plugin_manager.load_plugin("my-plugin")
-    plugin = plugin_manager.get_plugin("my-plugin")
-    assert plugin is not None
-    assert plugin.enabled
-    
-    plugin.update()
-    plugin.display()
-```
-
-### Emulator Testing
-
-Test plugin rendering visually:
-
-```bash
-# Run with emulator
-python run.py --emulator
-
-# Plugin should appear in display rotation
-# Check logs for plugin loading and execution
-```
-
-### Hardware Testing
-
-1. Deploy plugin to Raspberry Pi
-2. Enable in `config/config.json`
-3. Restart LEDMatrix service
-4. Observe LED matrix display
-5. Check logs: `journalctl -u ledmatrix -f`
-
----
-
-## Troubleshooting
-
-### Plugin Not Loading
-
-**Symptoms**: Plugin doesn't appear in available modes, no logs about plugin
-
-**Solutions**:
-1. Check plugin directory exists: `ls plugins/my-plugin/`
-2. Verify `manifest.json` exists and is valid JSON
-3. Check manifest has required fields: `id`, `entry_point`, `class_name`
-4. Verify entry_point file exists: `ls plugins/my-plugin/manager.py`
-5. Check class name matches: `grep "class.*Plugin" plugins/my-plugin/manager.py`
-6. Review logs for import errors
-
-### Plugin Loading but Not Displaying
-
-**Symptoms**: Plugin loads successfully but doesn't appear in rotation
-
-**Solutions**:
-1. Check plugin is enabled: `config/config.json` has `"enabled": true`
-2. Verify display_modes in manifest match config
-3. Check plugin is in rotation schedule
-4. Review `display()` method for errors
-5. Check logs for runtime errors
-
-### Configuration Errors
-
-**Symptoms**: Plugin fails to load, validation errors in logs
-
-**Solutions**:
-1. Validate config against `config_schema.json`
-2. Check required fields are present
-3. Verify data types match schema
-4. Check for typos in config keys
-5. Review `validate_config()` method
-
-### Import Errors
-
-**Symptoms**: ModuleNotFoundError or ImportError in logs
-
-**Solutions**:
-1. Install plugin dependencies: `pip install -r plugins/my-plugin/requirements.txt`
-2. Check Python path includes plugin directory
-3. Verify relative imports are correct
-4. Check for circular import issues
-5. Ensure all dependencies are in requirements.txt
-
-### Display Issues
-
-**Symptoms**: Plugin renders incorrectly or not at all
-
-**Solutions**:
-1. Check display dimensions: `display_manager.width`, `display_manager.height`
-2. Verify coordinates are within display bounds
-3. Check color values are valid (0-255)
-4. Ensure `update_display()` is called after rendering
-5. Test with emulator first to debug rendering
-
-### Performance Issues
-
-**Symptoms**: Slow display updates, high CPU usage
-
-**Solutions**:
-1. Use `cache_manager` to avoid excessive API calls
-2. Implement background data fetching
-3. Optimize rendering code
-4. Consider using `high_performance_transitions`
-5. Profile plugin code to identify bottlenecks
-
-### Git/Symlink Issues
-
-**Symptoms**: Plugin changes not appearing, broken symlinks
-
-**Solutions**:
-1. Check symlink: `ls -la plugins/my-plugin`
-2. Verify target exists: `readlink -f plugins/my-plugin`
-3. Update plugin: `./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh update my-plugin`
-4. Re-link plugin if needed: `./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh unlink my-plugin && ./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link my-plugin <path>`
-5. Check git status: `cd plugins/my-plugin && git status`
-
----
-
-## Best Practices
-
-### Code Organization
-
-- Keep plugin code in `plugins/<plugin-id>/` directory
-- Use descriptive class and method names
-- Follow existing plugin patterns
-- Place shared utilities in `src/common/` if reusable
-
-### Configuration
-
-- Always use `config_schema.json` for validation
-- Store secrets in `config_secrets.json`
-- Provide sensible defaults
-- Document all configuration options in README
-
-### Error Handling
-
-- Use plugin logger for all logging
-- Handle API failures gracefully
-- Provide fallback displays when data unavailable
-- Cache data to avoid excessive requests
-
-### Performance
-
-- Cache API responses appropriately
-- Use background data fetching for long operations
-- Optimize rendering for Pi's limited resources
-- Test performance on actual hardware
-
-### Testing
-
-- Write unit tests for core logic
-- Test with emulator before hardware
-- Test on Raspberry Pi before deploying
-- Test with other plugins enabled
-
-### Documentation
-
-- Document plugin functionality in README
-- Include configuration examples
-- Document API requirements and rate limits
-- Provide usage examples
-
----
-
-## Resources
-
-- **Plugin System Documentation**: `docs/PLUGIN_ARCHITECTURE_SPEC.md`
-- **Base Plugin Class**: `src/plugin_system/base_plugin.py`
-- **Plugin Manager**: `src/plugin_system/plugin_manager.py`
-- **Example Plugins**: 
-  - `plugins/hockey-scoreboard/` - Sports scoreboard example
-  - `plugins/football-scoreboard/` - Complex multi-league example
-  - `plugins/ledmatrix-music/` - Real-time data example
-- **Development Setup**: `dev_plugin_setup.sh`
-- **Example Config**: `dev_plugins.json.example`
-
----
-
-## Quick Reference
-
-### Common Commands
-
-```bash
-# Link plugin from GitHub
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link-github <name>
-
-# Link local plugin
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link <name> <path>
-
-# List all plugins
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh list
-
-# Check plugin status
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh status
-
-# Update plugin(s)
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh update [name]
-
-# Unlink plugin
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh unlink <name>
-
-# Run with emulator
-python run.py --emulator
-
-# Run on Pi
-python run.py
-```
-
-### Plugin File Structure
-
-```
-plugins/my-plugin/
-├── manifest.json          # Required: Plugin metadata
-├── manager.py             # Required: Plugin class
-├── config_schema.json     # Required: Config validation
-├── requirements.txt       # Optional: Dependencies
-├── README.md              # Optional: Documentation
-└── ...                    # Plugin-specific files
-```
-
-### Required Manifest Fields
-
-- `id`: Plugin identifier
-- `entry_point`: Python file (usually "manager.py")
-- `class_name`: Plugin class name
-- `display_modes`: Array of mode names
-

.cursor/rules/coding-standards.mdc

@@ -1,38 +0,0 @@
----
-globs: *.py
----
-
-# Python Coding Standards
-
-## Code Quality Principles
-- **Simplicity First**: Prefer clear, readable code over clever optimizations
-- **Explicit over Implicit**: Make intentions clear through naming and structure
-- **Fail Fast**: Validate inputs and handle errors early
-- **Documentation**: Use docstrings for classes and complex functions
-
-## Naming Conventions
-- **Classes**: PascalCase (e.g., `NHLRecentManager`)
-- **Functions/Variables**: snake_case (e.g., `fetch_game_data`)
-- **Constants**: UPPER_SNAKE_CASE (e.g., `ESPN_NHL_SCOREBOARD_URL`)
-- **Private methods**: Leading underscore (e.g., `_fetch_data`)
-
-## Error Handling
-- **Logging**: Use structured logging with context (e.g., `[NHL Recent]`)
-- **Exceptions**: Catch specific exceptions, not bare `except:`
-- **User-friendly messages**: Explain what went wrong and potential solutions
-- **Graceful degradation**: Continue operation when non-critical features fail
-
-## Manager Pattern
-All sports managers should follow this structure:
-```python
-class BaseManager:
-    def __init__(self, config, display_manager, cache_manager)
-    def update(self)  # Fetch and process data
-    def display(self, force_clear=False)  # Render to display
-```
-
-## Configuration Management
-- **Type hints**: Use for function parameters and return values
-- **Configuration validation**: Check required fields on initialization
-- **Default values**: Provide sensible defaults in code, not config
-- **Environment awareness**: Handle different deployment contexts

.cursor/rules/configuration-management.mdc

@@ -1,42 +0,0 @@
----
-globs: config/*.json,src/*.py
----
-
-# Configuration Management
-
-## Configuration Structure
-- **Main config**: [config/config.json](mdc:config/config.json) - Primary configuration
-- **Secrets**: [config/config_secrets.json](mdc:config/config_secrets.json) - API keys and sensitive data
-- **Templates**: [config/config.template.json](mdc:config/config.template.json) - Default values
-
-## Configuration Principles
-- **Validation**: Check required fields and data types on startup
-- **Defaults**: Provide sensible defaults in code, not just config
-- **Environment awareness**: Handle development vs production differences
-- **Security**: Never commit secrets to version control
-
-## Manager Configuration Pattern
-```python
-def __init__(self, config, display_manager, cache_manager):
-    self.mode_config = config.get("sport_scoreboard", {})
-    self.favorite_teams = self.mode_config.get("favorite_teams", [])
-    self.show_favorite_only = self.mode_config.get("show_favorite_teams_only", False)
-```
-
-## Required Configuration Sections
-- **Display settings**: Update intervals, display durations
-- **API settings**: Timeouts, retry logic, rate limiting
-- **Background service**: Threading, caching, priority settings
-- **Team preferences**: Favorite teams, filtering options
-
-## Configuration Validation
-- **Type checking**: Ensure numeric values are numbers, lists are lists
-- **Range validation**: Check that intervals are reasonable
-- **Dependency checking**: Verify required services are available
-- **Fallback values**: Provide defaults when config is missing or invalid
-
-## Best Practices
-- **Documentation**: Comment complex configuration options
-- **Examples**: Provide working examples in templates
-- **Migration**: Handle configuration changes between versions
-- **Testing**: Validate configuration in test environments

.cursor/rules/error-handling-logging.mdc

@@ -1,50 +0,0 @@
----
-globs: src/*.py
----
-
-# Error Handling and Logging
-
-## Logging Standards
-- **Structured prefixes**: Use consistent tags like `[NHL Recent]`, `[NFL Live]`
-- **Context information**: Include relevant details (team names, game status, dates)
-- **Appropriate levels**: 
-  - `info`: Normal operations and status updates
-  - `debug`: Detailed information for troubleshooting
-  - `warning`: Non-critical issues that should be noted
-  - `error`: Problems that need attention
-
-## Error Handling Patterns
-```python
-try:
-    data = self._fetch_data()
-    if not data or 'events' not in data:
-        self.logger.warning("[Manager] No events found in API response")
-        return
-except requests.exceptions.RequestException as e:
-    self.logger.error(f"[Manager] API error: {e}")
-    return None
-```
-
-## User-Friendly Messages
-- **Explain the situation**: "No games available during off-season"
-- **Provide context**: "NHL season typically runs October-June"
-- **Suggest solutions**: "Check back when season starts"
-- **Distinguish issues**: API problems vs no data vs filtering results
-
-## Graceful Degradation
-- **Fallback content**: Show alternative games when favorites unavailable
-- **Cached data**: Use cached data when API fails
-- **Service continuity**: Continue operation when non-critical features fail
-- **Clear communication**: Explain what's happening to users
-
-## Debugging Support
-- **Comprehensive logging**: Log API responses, filtering results, display updates
-- **State tracking**: Log current state and transitions
-- **Performance monitoring**: Track timing and resource usage
-- **Error context**: Include stack traces for debugging
-
-## Off-Season Awareness
-- **Seasonal messaging**: Different messages for different times of year
-- **Helpful context**: Explain why no games are available
-- **Future planning**: Mention when season starts
-- **Realistic expectations**: Set appropriate expectations during off-season

.cursor/rules/git-workflow.mdc

@@ -1,51 +0,0 @@
----
-alwaysApply: true
----
-
-# Git Workflow and Branching
-
-## Branch Naming Conventions
-- **Features**: `feature/description-of-feature` (e.g., `feature/weather-forecast-improvements`)
-- **Bug fixes**: `fix/description-of-bug` (e.g., `fix/nhl-manager-improvements`)
-- **Hotfixes**: `hotfix/critical-issue-description`
-- **Refactoring**: `refactor/description-of-refactor`
-
-## Commit Message Format
-```
-type(scope): description
-
-[optional body]
-
-[optional footer]
-```
-
-**Types**: feat, fix, docs, style, refactor, test, chore
-**Examples**:
-- `feat(nhl): Add enhanced logging for data visibility`
-- `fix(display): Resolve rendering performance issue`
-- `docs(api): Update ESPN API integration guide`
-
-## Pull Request Guidelines
-- **Self-review**: Review your own PR before requesting review
-- **Testing**: Test thoroughly on Raspberry Pi hardware
-- **Documentation**: Update relevant documentation if needed
-- **Clean history**: Squash commits if necessary for clean history
-
-## Code Review Checklist
-- **Code Quality**: Proper error handling, logging, type hints
-- **Architecture**: Follows project patterns, doesn't break existing functionality
-- **Performance**: No negative impact on display performance
-- **Testing**: Works on Raspberry Pi hardware
-- **Documentation**: Comments added for complex logic
-
-## Merge Strategies
-- **Squash and Merge**: Preferred for feature branches and bug fixes
-- **Merge Commit**: For complex features with multiple logical commits
-- **Rebase and Merge**: For simple, single-commit changes
-
-## Best Practices
-- **Keep branches small and focused**
-- **Commit frequently with meaningful messages**
-- **Update branch regularly with main**
-- **Test changes incrementally**
-- **Delete feature branches after merge**

.cursor/rules/github-branches-rule.mdc

@@ -1,213 +0,0 @@
----
-description: GitHub branching and pull request best practices for LEDMatrix project
-globs: ["**/*.py", "**/*.md", "**/*.json", "**/*.sh"]
-alwaysApply: true
----
-
-# GitHub Branching and Pull Request Guidelines
-
-## Branch Naming Conventions
-
-### Feature Branches
-- **Format**: `feature/description-of-feature`
-- **Examples**: 
-  - `feature/weather-forecast-improvements`
-  - `feature/stock-api-integration`
-  - `feature/nba-live-scores`
-
-### Bug Fix Branches
-- **Format**: `fix/description-of-bug`
-- **Examples**:
-  - `fix/leaderboard-scrolling-performance`
-  - `fix/weather-api-timeout`
-  - `fix/display-rendering-issue`
-
-### Hotfix Branches
-- **Format**: `hotfix/critical-issue-description`
-- **Examples**:
-  - `hotfix/display-crash-fix`
-  - `hotfix/api-rate-limit-fix`
-
-### Refactoring Branches
-- **Format**: `refactor/description-of-refactor`
-- **Examples**:
-  - `refactor/sports-manager-architecture`
-  - `refactor/cache-management-system`
-
-## Branch Management Rules
-
-### Main Branch Protection
-- **`main`** branch is protected and requires PR reviews
-- Never commit directly to `main`
-- All changes must go through pull requests
-
-### Branch Lifecycle
-1. **Create** branch from `main` when starting work
-2. **Keep** branch up-to-date with `main` regularly
-3. **Test** thoroughly before creating PR
-4. **Delete** branch after successful merge
-
-### Branch Updates
-```bash
-# Before starting new work
-git checkout main
-git pull origin main
-
-# Create new branch
-git checkout -b feature/your-feature-name
-
-# Keep branch updated during development
-git checkout main
-git pull origin main
-git checkout feature/your-feature-name
-git merge main
-```
-
-## Pull Request Guidelines
-
-### PR Title Format
-- **Feature**: `feat: Add weather forecast improvements`
-- **Fix**: `fix: Resolve leaderboard scrolling performance issue`
-- **Refactor**: `refactor: Improve sports manager architecture`
-- **Docs**: `docs: Update API integration guide`
-- **Test**: `test: Add unit tests for weather manager`
-
-### PR Description Template
-```markdown
-## Description
-Brief description of changes and motivation.
-
-## Type of Change
-- [ ] Bug fix (non-breaking change)
-- [ ] New feature (non-breaking change)
-- [ ] Breaking change (fix or feature that would cause existing functionality to not work as expected)
-- [ ] Documentation update
-- [ ] Performance improvement
-- [ ] Refactoring
-
-## Testing
-- [ ] Tested on Raspberry Pi hardware
-- [ ] Verified display rendering works correctly
-- [ ] Checked API integration functionality
-- [ ] Tested error handling scenarios
-
-## Screenshots/Videos
-(If applicable, add screenshots or videos of the changes)
-
-## Checklist
-- [ ] Code follows project style guidelines
-- [ ] Self-review completed
-- [ ] Comments added for complex logic
-- [ ] No hardcoded values or API keys
-- [ ] Error handling implemented
-- [ ] Logging added where appropriate
-```
-
-### PR Review Requirements
-
-#### For Reviewers
-- **Code Quality**: Check for proper error handling, logging, and type hints
-- **Architecture**: Ensure changes follow project patterns and don't break existing functionality
-- **Performance**: Verify changes don't negatively impact display performance
-- **Testing**: Confirm changes work on Raspberry Pi hardware
-- **Documentation**: Check if documentation needs updates
-
-#### For Authors
-- **Self-Review**: Review your own PR before requesting review
-- **Testing**: Test thoroughly on Pi hardware before submitting
-- **Documentation**: Update relevant documentation if needed
-- **Clean History**: Squash commits if necessary for clean history
-
-## Commit Message Guidelines
-
-### Format
-```
-type(scope): description
-
-[optional body]
-
-[optional footer]
-```
-
-### Types
-- **feat**: New feature
-- **fix**: Bug fix
-- **docs**: Documentation changes
-- **style**: Code style changes (formatting, etc.)
-- **refactor**: Code refactoring
-- **test**: Adding or updating tests
-- **chore**: Maintenance tasks
-
-### Examples
-```
-feat(weather): Add hourly forecast display
-fix(nba): Resolve live score update issue
-docs(api): Update ESPN API integration guide
-refactor(sports): Improve base class architecture
-```
-
-## Merge Strategies
-
-### Squash and Merge (Preferred)
-- Use for feature branches and bug fixes
-- Creates clean, linear history
-- Combines all commits into single commit
-
-### Merge Commit
-- Use for complex features with multiple logical commits
-- Preserves commit history
-- Use when commit messages are meaningful
-
-### Rebase and Merge
-- Use sparingly for simple, single-commit changes
-- Creates linear history without merge commits
-
-## Release Management
-
-### Version Tags
-- Use semantic versioning: `v1.2.3`
-- Tag releases on `main` branch
-- Create release notes with technical details
-
-### Release Branches
-- **Format**: `release/v1.2.3`
-- Use for release preparation
-- Include version bumps and final testing
-
-## Emergency Procedures
-
-### Hotfix Process
-1. Create `hotfix/` branch from `main`
-2. Make minimal fix
-3. Test thoroughly
-4. Create PR with expedited review
-5. Merge to `main` and tag release
-6. Cherry-pick to other branches if needed
-
-### Rollback Process
-1. Identify last known good commit
-2. Create revert PR if possible
-3. Use `git revert` for clean rollback
-4. Tag rollback release
-5. Document issue and resolution
-
-## Best Practices
-
-### Before Creating PR
-- [ ] Run all tests locally
-- [ ] Test on Raspberry Pi hardware
-- [ ] Check for linting errors
-- [ ] Update documentation if needed
-- [ ] Ensure commit messages are clear
-
-### During Development
-- [ ] Keep branches small and focused
-- [ ] Commit frequently with meaningful messages
-- [ ] Update branch regularly with main
-- [ ] Test changes incrementally
-
-### After PR Approval
-- [ ] Delete feature branch after merge
-- [ ] Update local main branch
-- [ ] Verify changes work in production
-- [ ] Update any related documentation

.cursor/rules/project-structure.mdc

@@ -1,23 +0,0 @@
----
-alwaysApply: true
----
-
-# LEDMatrix Project Structure
-
-## Core Architecture
-- **Main entry point**: [run.py](mdc:run.py) - Primary application launcher
-- **Configuration**: [config/config.json](mdc:config/config.json) - Main configuration file
-- **Display management**: [src/display_controller.py](mdc:src/display_controller.py) - Core display logic
-- **Web interface**: [web_interface_v2.py](mdc:web_interface_v2.py) - Modern web UI
-
-## Source Code Organization
-- **Managers**: [src/](mdc:src/) - All sports/weather/stock managers
-- **Assets**: [assets/](mdc:assets/) - Logos, fonts, and static resources
-- **Tests**: [test/](mdc:test/) - Unit and integration tests
-- **Documentation**: [LEDMatrix.wiki/](mdc:LEDMatrix.wiki/) - Comprehensive guides
-
-## Key Design Principles
-- **Single Responsibility**: Each manager handles one sport/domain
-- **Consistent Patterns**: All managers follow similar structure
-- **Configuration-Driven**: Behavior controlled via [config/config.json](mdc:config/config.json)
-- **Raspberry Pi Focus**: Optimized for Pi hardware, not Windows development

.cursor/rules/raspberry-pi-development.mdc

@@ -1,41 +0,0 @@
----
-alwaysApply: true
----
-
-# Raspberry Pi Development Guidelines
-
-## Hardware Constraints
-- **Pi-only execution**: Code must run on Raspberry Pi, not Windows development machine
-- **LED matrix library**: Uses [rpi-rgb-led-matrix-master/](mdc:rpi-rgb-led-matrix-master/) for hardware control
-- **Memory limitations**: Optimize for Pi's limited RAM
-- **Performance**: Consider Pi's CPU capabilities in design
-
-## Development Workflow
-- **Local development**: Write and test code on Windows
-- **Pi deployment**: Deploy and test on actual Pi hardware
-- **SSH access**: Use SSH for Pi-based testing and debugging
-- **Service management**: Use systemd services for production deployment
-
-## Testing Strategy
-- **Unit tests**: Test logic without hardware dependencies
-- **Integration tests**: Test with mock display managers
-- **Hardware tests**: Validate on actual Pi with LED matrix
-- **Performance tests**: Monitor memory and CPU usage
-
-## Deployment Considerations
-- **Service files**: [ledmatrix.service](mdc:ledmatrix.service), [ledmatrix-web.service](mdc:ledmatrix-web.service)
-- **Installation scripts**: [first_time_install.sh](mdc:first_time_install.sh), [install_service.sh](mdc:install_service.sh)
-- **Dependencies**: [requirements.txt](mdc:requirements.txt) for Pi environment
-- **Permissions**: Handle file permissions for Pi user
-
-## Performance Optimization
-- **Caching**: Use [src/cache_manager.py](mdc:src/cache_manager.py) for data persistence
-- **Background services**: Non-blocking data fetching
-- **Memory management**: Clean up resources regularly
-- **Display optimization**: Minimize unnecessary redraws
-
-## Debugging on Pi
-- **Logging**: Comprehensive logging for remote debugging
-- **Error reporting**: Clear error messages for troubleshooting
-- **Status monitoring**: Health checks and status reporting
-- **Remote access**: Web interface for configuration and monitoring

.cursor/rules/sports-managers.mdc

@@ -1,42 +0,0 @@
----
-globs: src/*_managers.py
----
-
-# Sports Manager Development
-
-## Manager Architecture
-All sports managers inherit from base classes and follow consistent patterns:
-- **Base classes**: [src/nhl_managers.py](mdc:src/nhl_managers.py), [src/nfl_managers.py](mdc:src/nfl_managers.py)
-- **Common functionality**: Data fetching, caching, display rendering
-- **Configuration-driven**: Behavior controlled via config sections
-
-## Required Methods
-```python
-def __init__(self, config, display_manager, cache_manager)
-def update(self)  # Fetch fresh data
-def display(self, force_clear=False)  # Render current data
-```
-
-## Data Flow Pattern
-1. **Fetch**: Get data from API (with caching)
-2. **Process**: Extract relevant game information
-3. **Filter**: Apply favorite team preferences
-4. **Display**: Render to LED matrix
-
-## Logging Standards
-- **Structured prefixes**: `[NHL Recent]`, `[NFL Live]`, etc.
-- **Context information**: Include team names, game status, dates
-- **Debug levels**: Use appropriate log levels (info, debug, warning, error)
-- **User-friendly messages**: Explain what's happening and why
-
-## Error Handling
-- **API failures**: Log and continue with cached data if available
-- **No data scenarios**: Distinguish between API issues vs no games available
-- **Off-season awareness**: Provide helpful context during non-active periods
-- **Fallback behavior**: Show alternative content when preferred content unavailable
-
-## Configuration Integration
-- **Required settings**: Validate on initialization
-- **Optional settings**: Provide sensible defaults
-- **Background service**: Use for non-blocking data fetching
-- **Caching strategy**: Implement intelligent cache management

.cursor/rules/testing-standards.mdc

@@ -1,51 +0,0 @@
----
-globs: test/*.py,src/*.py
----
-
-# Testing Standards
-
-## Test Organization
-- **Test directory**: [test/](mdc:test/) - All test files
-- **Unit tests**: Test individual components in isolation
-- **Integration tests**: Test component interactions
-- **Hardware tests**: Validate on Raspberry Pi with actual LED matrix
-
-## Testing Principles
-- **Test behavior, not implementation**: Focus on what the code does, not how
-- **Mock external dependencies**: Use mocks for APIs, display managers, cache
-- **Test edge cases**: Empty data, API failures, configuration errors
-- **Pi-specific testing**: Validate hardware integration
-
-## Test Structure
-```python
-def test_manager_initialization():
-    """Test that manager initializes with valid config"""
-    config = {"sport_scoreboard": {"enabled": True}}
-    manager = ManagerClass(config, mock_display, mock_cache)
-    assert manager.enabled == True
-
-def test_api_failure_handling():
-    """Test graceful handling of API failures"""
-    # Test that system continues when API fails
-    # Verify fallback to cached data
-    # Check appropriate error logging
-```
-
-## Mock Patterns
-- **Display Manager**: Mock for testing without hardware
-- **Cache Manager**: Mock for testing data persistence
-- **API responses**: Mock for consistent test data
-- **Configuration**: Use test-specific configs
-
-## Test Categories
-- **Unit tests**: Individual manager methods
-- **Integration tests**: Manager interactions with services
-- **Configuration tests**: Validate config loading and validation
-- **Error handling tests**: API failures, invalid data, edge cases
-
-## Testing Best Practices
-- **Descriptive names**: Test names should explain what they test
-- **Single responsibility**: Each test should verify one thing
-- **Independent tests**: Tests should not depend on each other
-- **Clean setup/teardown**: Reset state between tests
-- **Pi compatibility**: Ensure tests work in Pi environment

.cursorignore

@@ -1 +0,0 @@
-# Add directories or file patterns to ignore during indexing (e.g. foo/ or *.csv)

.cursorrules

@@ -1,364 +0,0 @@
-# LEDMatrix Plugin Development Rules
-
-## Plugin System Overview
-
-The LEDMatrix project uses a plugin-based architecture. All display
-functionality (except core calendar) is implemented as plugins that are
-dynamically loaded from the directory configured by
-`plugin_system.plugins_directory` in `config.json` — the default is
-`plugin-repos/` (per `config/config.template.json:130`).
-
-> **Fallback note (scoped):** `PluginManager.discover_plugins()`
-> (`src/plugin_system/plugin_manager.py:154`) only scans the
-> configured directory — there is no fallback to `plugins/` in the
-> main discovery path. A fallback to `plugins/` does exist in two
-> narrower places:
-> - `store_manager.py:1700-1718` — store operations (install/update/
->   uninstall) check `plugins/` if the plugin isn't found in the
->   configured directory, so plugin-store flows work even when your
->   dev symlinks live in `plugins/`.
-> - `schema_manager.py:70-80` — `get_schema_path()` probes both
->   `plugins/` and `plugin-repos/` for `config_schema.json` so the
->   web UI form generation finds the schema regardless of where the
->   plugin lives.
->
-> The dev workflow in `scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh` creates
-> symlinks under `plugins/`, which is why the store and schema
-> fallbacks exist. For day-to-day development, set
-> `plugin_system.plugins_directory` to `plugins` so the main
-> discovery path picks up your symlinks.
-
-## Plugin Structure
-
-### Required Files
-- **manifest.json**: Plugin metadata, entry point, class name, dependencies
-- **manager.py**: Main plugin class (must inherit from `BasePlugin`)
-- **config_schema.json**: JSON schema for plugin configuration validation
-- **requirements.txt**: Python dependencies (if any)
-- **README.md**: Plugin documentation
-
-### Plugin Class Requirements
-- Must inherit from `src.plugin_system.base_plugin.BasePlugin`
-- Must implement `update()` method for data fetching
-- Must implement `display()` method for rendering
-- Should implement `validate_config()` for configuration validation
-- Optional: Override `has_live_content()` for live priority features
-
-## Plugin Development Workflow
-
-### 1. Creating a New Plugin
-
-**Option A: Use dev_plugin_setup.sh (Recommended)**
-```bash
-# Link from GitHub
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link-github <plugin-name>
-
-# Link local repository
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link <plugin-name> <path-to-repo>
-```
-
-**Option B: Manual Setup**
-1. Create directory in `plugin-repos/<plugin-id>/` (or `plugins/<plugin-id>/`
-   if you're using the dev fallback location)
-2. Add `manifest.json` with required fields
-3. Create `manager.py` with plugin class
-4. Add `config_schema.json` for configuration
-5. Enable plugin in `config/config.json` under `"<plugin-id>": {"enabled": true}`
-
-### 2. Plugin Configuration
-
-Plugins are configured in `config/config.json`:
-```json
-{
-  "<plugin-id>": {
-    "enabled": true,
-    "display_duration": 15,
-    "live_priority": false,
-    "high_performance_transitions": false,
-    "transition": {
-      "type": "redraw",
-      "speed": 2,
-      "enabled": true
-    },
-    // ... plugin-specific config
-  }
-}
-```
-
-### 3. Testing Plugins
-
-**On Development Machine:**
-- Run the dev preview server: `python3 scripts/dev_server.py` (then
-  open `http://localhost:5001`) — renders plugins in the browser
-  without running the full display loop
-- Or run the full display in emulator mode:
-  `python3 run.py --emulator` (or equivalently
-  `EMULATOR=true python3 run.py`, or `./scripts/dev/run_emulator.sh`).
-  The `-e`/`--emulator` CLI flag is defined in `run.py:19-20`.
-- Test plugin loading: Check logs for plugin discovery and loading
-- Validate configuration: Ensure config matches `config_schema.json`
-
-**On Raspberry Pi:**
-- Deploy and test on actual hardware
-- Monitor logs: `journalctl -u ledmatrix -f` (if running as service)
-- Check plugin status in web interface
-
-### 4. Plugin Development Best Practices
-
-**Code Organization:**
-- Keep plugin code in `plugin-repos/<plugin-id>/` (or its dev-time
-  symlink in `plugins/<plugin-id>/`)
-- Use shared assets from `assets/` directory when possible
-- Follow existing plugin patterns — canonical sources live in the
-  [`ledmatrix-plugins`](https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-plugins)
-  repo (`plugins/hockey-scoreboard/`, `plugins/football-scoreboard/`,
-  `plugins/clock-simple/`, etc.)
-- Place shared utilities in `src/common/` if reusable across plugins
-
-**Configuration Management:**
-- Use `config_schema.json` for validation
-- Store secrets in `config/config_secrets.json` under the same plugin
-  id namespace as the main config — they're deep-merged into the main
-  config at load time (`src/config_manager.py:162-172`), so plugin
-  code reads them directly from `config.get(...)` like any other key
-- There is no separate `config_secrets` reference field
-- Validate all required fields in `validate_config()`
-
-**Error Handling:**
-- Use plugin's logger: `self.logger.info/error/warning()`
-- Handle API failures gracefully
-- Cache data to avoid excessive API calls
-- Provide fallback displays when data unavailable
-
-**Performance:**
-- Use `cache_manager` for API response caching
-- Implement background data fetching if needed
-- Use `high_performance_transitions` for smoother animations
-- Optimize rendering for Pi's limited resources
-
-**Display Rendering:**
-- Use `display_manager` for all drawing operations
-- Support different display sizes (check `display_manager.width/height`)
-- Use `apply_transition()` for smooth transitions between displays
-- Clear display before rendering: `display_manager.clear()`
-- Always call `display_manager.update_display()` after rendering
-
-## Plugin API Reference
-
-### BasePlugin Class
-Located in: `src/plugin_system/base_plugin.py`
-
-**Required Methods:**
-- `update()`: Fetch/update data (called based on `update_interval` in manifest)
-- `display(force_clear=False)`: Render plugin content
-
-**Optional Methods:**
-- `validate_config()`: Validate plugin configuration
-- `has_live_content()`: Return True if plugin has live/urgent content
-- `get_live_modes()`: Return list of modes for live priority
-- `cleanup()`: Clean up resources on unload
-- `on_config_change(new_config)`: Handle config updates
-- `on_enable()`: Called when plugin enabled
-- `on_disable()`: Called when plugin disabled
-
-**Available Properties:**
-- `self.plugin_id`: Plugin identifier
-- `self.config`: Plugin configuration dict
-- `self.display_manager`: Display manager instance
-- `self.cache_manager`: Cache manager instance
-- `self.plugin_manager`: Plugin manager reference
-- `self.logger`: Plugin-specific logger
-- `self.enabled`: Boolean enabled status
-- `self.transition_manager`: Transition system (if available)
-
-### Display Manager
-Located in: `src/display_manager.py`
-
-**Key Methods:**
-- `clear()`: Clear the display
-- `draw_text(text, x, y, color, font, small_font, centered)`: Draw text
-- `update_display()`: Push the buffer to the physical display
-- `draw_weather_icon(condition, x, y, size)`: Draw a weather icon
-- `width`, `height`: Display dimensions
-
-**Image rendering**: there is no `draw_image()` helper. Paste directly
-onto the underlying PIL Image:
-```python
-self.display_manager.image.paste(pil_image, (x, y))
-self.display_manager.update_display()
-```
-For transparency, paste with a mask: `image.paste(rgba, (x, y), rgba)`.
-
-### Cache Manager
-Located in: `src/cache_manager.py`
-
-**Key Methods:**
-- `get(key, max_age=300)`: Get cached value (returns None if missing/stale)
-- `set(key, value, ttl=None)`: Cache a value
-- `delete(key)` / `clear_cache(key=None)`: Remove a single cache entry,
-  or (for `clear_cache` with no argument) every cached entry. `delete`
-  is an alias for `clear_cache(key)`.
-- `get_cached_data_with_strategy(key, data_type)`: Cache get with
-  data-type-aware TTL strategy
-- `get_background_cached_data(key, sport_key)`: Cache get for the
-  background-fetch service path
-
-## Plugin Manifest Schema
-
-Required fields in `manifest.json`:
-- `id`: Unique plugin identifier (matches directory name)
-- `name`: Human-readable plugin name
-- `version`: Semantic version (e.g., "1.0.0")
-- `entry_point`: Python file (usually "manager.py")
-- `class_name`: Plugin class name (must match class in entry_point)
-- `display_modes`: Array of mode names this plugin provides
-
-Common optional fields:
-- `description`: Plugin description
-- `author`: Plugin author
-- `homepage`: Plugin homepage URL
-- `category`: Plugin category (e.g., "sports", "weather")
-- `tags`: Array of tags
-- `update_interval`: Seconds between update() calls (default: 60)
-- `default_duration`: Default display duration (default: 15)
-- `requires`: Python version, display size requirements
-- `config_schema`: Path to config schema file
-- `api_requirements`: API dependencies and rate limits
-
-## Plugin Loading Process
-
-1. **Discovery**: PluginManager scans `plugins/` directory for directories containing `manifest.json`
-2. **Validation**: Validates manifest structure and required fields
-3. **Loading**: Imports plugin module and instantiates plugin class
-4. **Configuration**: Loads plugin config from `config/config.json`
-5. **Validation**: Calls `validate_config()` on plugin instance
-6. **Registration**: Adds plugin to available modes and stores instance
-7. **Enablement**: Calls `on_enable()` if plugin is enabled
-
-## Common Plugin Patterns
-
-### Sports Scoreboard Plugin
-- Use `background_data_service.py` pattern for API fetching
-- Implement live/recent/upcoming game modes
-- Use `scoreboard_renderer.py` for consistent rendering
-- Support team filtering and game filtering
-- Use shared sports logos from `assets/sports/`
-
-### Data Display Plugin
-- Fetch data in `update()` method
-- Cache API responses using `cache_manager`
-- Render in `display()` method
-- Handle API errors gracefully
-- Provide configuration for refresh intervals
-
-### Real-time Content Plugin
-- Implement `has_live_content()` for live priority
-- Use `get_live_modes()` to specify which modes are live
-- Set `live_priority: true` in config to enable live takeover
-- Update data frequently when live content exists
-
-## Debugging Plugins
-
-**Check Plugin Loading:**
-- Review logs for plugin discovery messages
-- Verify manifest.json syntax is valid JSON
-- Check that class_name matches actual class name
-- Ensure entry_point file exists and is importable
-
-**Check Plugin Execution:**
-- Add logging statements in `update()` and `display()`
-- Use `self.logger` for plugin-specific logging
-- Check cache_manager for cached data
-- Verify display_manager is rendering correctly
-
-**Common Issues:**
-- Import errors: Check Python path and dependencies
-- Config errors: Validate against config_schema.json
-- Display issues: Check display dimensions and coordinate calculations
-- Performance: Monitor CPU/memory usage on Pi
-
-## Plugin Testing
-
-**Unit Tests:**
-- Test plugin class instantiation
-- Test `update()` data fetching logic
-- Test `display()` rendering logic
-- Test `validate_config()` with various configs
-- Mock `display_manager` and `cache_manager` for testing
-
-**Integration Tests:**
-- Test plugin loading via PluginManager
-- Test plugin with actual config
-- Test plugin with emulator display
-- Test plugin with cache_manager
-
-**Hardware Tests:**
-- Test on Raspberry Pi with LED matrix
-- Verify display rendering on actual hardware
-- Test performance under load
-- Test with other plugins enabled
-
-## File Organization
-
-```
-plugins/
-  <plugin-id>/
-    manifest.json          # Plugin metadata
-    manager.py             # Main plugin class
-    config_schema.json     # Config validation schema
-    requirements.txt       # Python dependencies
-    README.md             # Plugin documentation
-    # Plugin-specific files
-    data_manager.py
-    renderer.py
-    etc.
-```
-
-## Git Workflow for Plugins
-
-**Plugin Development:**
-- Plugins are typically separate repositories
-- Use `dev_plugin_setup.sh` to link plugins for development
-- Symlinks are used to connect plugin repos to `plugins/` directory
-- Plugin repos follow naming: `ledmatrix-<plugin-name>`
-
-**Branching:**
-- Develop plugins in feature branches
-- Follow project branching conventions
-- Test plugins before merging to main
-
-**Automatic Version Bumping:**
-- **Automatic Version Management**: Version bumping is handled automatically via the pre-push git hook - no manual version bumping is required for normal development workflows
-- **GitHub as Source of Truth**: Plugin store always fetches latest versions from GitHub (releases/tags/manifest/commit)
-- **Pre-Push Hook**: Automatically bumps patch version and creates git tags when pushing code changes
-  - The hook is self-contained (no external dependencies) and works on any dev machine
-  - Installation: Copy the hook from LEDMatrix repo to your plugin repo:
-    ```bash
-    # From your plugin repository directory
-    cp /path/to/LEDMatrix/scripts/git-hooks/pre-push-plugin-version .git/hooks/pre-push
-    chmod +x .git/hooks/pre-push
-    ```
-  - Or use the installer script from the main LEDMatrix repo (one-time setup)
-  - The hook automatically:
-    1. Bumps the patch version (x.y.Z) in manifest.json when code changes are detected
-    2. Creates a git tag (v{version}) for the new version
-    3. Stages manifest.json for commit
-  - Skip auto-tagging: Set `SKIP_TAG=1` environment variable before pushing
-- **Manual Version Bumping (Edge Cases Only)**: Manual version bumps are only needed in rare circumstances:
-  - CI/CD pipelines that bypass git hooks
-  - Forked repositories without the pre-push hook installed
-  - Major/minor version bumps (hook only handles patch versions)
-  - When skipping auto-tagging but still needing a version bump
-  - For manual bumps, use the standalone script: `scripts/bump_plugin_version.py`
-- **Registry**: The plugin registry (plugins.json) stores only metadata (name, description, repo URL) - no versions
-- **Version Priority**: Plugin store checks versions in this order: GitHub Releases → GitHub Tags → Manifest from branch → Git commit hash
-
-## Resources
-
-- Plugin System Docs: `docs/PLUGIN_ARCHITECTURE_SPEC.md`
-- Plugin Examples: `plugins/hockey-scoreboard/`, `plugins/football-scoreboard/`
-- Base Plugin: `src/plugin_system/base_plugin.py`
-- Plugin Manager: `src/plugin_system/plugin_manager.py`
-- Development Setup: `dev_plugin_setup.sh`
-- Example Config: `dev_plugins.json.example`
-

.gitattributes

@@ -1,2 +1,8 @@
 # Auto detect text files and perform LF normalization
 * text=auto
+
+# Files the Pi executes must stay LF even in a Windows checkout with
+# core.autocrlf=true: a CRLF shebang line fails with "bad interpreter",
+# and systemd rejects CRLF unit files.
+*.sh text eol=lf
+*.service text eol=lf

.github/workflows/claude-code-review.yml

@@ -3,21 +3,13 @@ name: Claude Code Review
 on:
   pull_request:
     types: [opened, synchronize, ready_for_review, reopened]
-    # Optional: Only run on specific file changes
-    # paths:
-    #   - "src/**/*.ts"
-    #   - "src/**/*.tsx"
-    #   - "src/**/*.js"
-    #   - "src/**/*.jsx"
 
 jobs:
   claude-review:
-    # Optional: Filter by PR author
-    # if: |
-    #   github.event.pull_request.user.login == 'external-contributor' ||
-    #   github.event.pull_request.user.login == 'new-developer' ||
-    #   github.event.pull_request.author_association == 'FIRST_TIME_CONTRIBUTOR'
-
+    # Pull requests from forks get no repository secrets, so without this
+    # guard every outside contributor's PR showed this check red for a reason
+    # they can't fix. Skipped checks don't block merging.
+    if: github.event.pull_request.head.repo.full_name == github.repository
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
     permissions:
       contents: read
@@ -27,18 +19,22 @@ jobs:
 
     steps:
       - name: Checkout repository
-        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        uses: actions/checkout@11bd71901bbe5b1630ceea73d27597364c9af683 # v4.2.2
         with:
           fetch-depth: 1
 
       - name: Run Claude Code Review
         id: claude-review
-        uses: anthropics/claude-code-action@v1
+        uses: anthropics/claude-code-action@756cc22e19660d20e8cc9496b4f242475a7f7790 # v1
         with:
           claude_code_oauth_token: ${{ secrets.CLAUDE_CODE_OAUTH_TOKEN }}
+          # Review PRs opened by the Claude GitHub App. Without this the action
+          # aborts before reading the diff ("Workflow initiated by non-human
+          # actor"), so every such PR shows this check red. Named rather than
+          # '*': the allow-list is matched against the triggering actor, so
+          # this admits claude[bot] alone and no other app.
+          allowed_bots: 'claude'
           plugin_marketplaces: 'https://github.com/anthropics/claude-code.git'
           plugins: 'code-review@claude-code-plugins'
           prompt: '/code-review:code-review ${{ github.repository }}/pull/${{ github.event.pull_request.number }}'
-          # See https://github.com/anthropics/claude-code-action/blob/main/docs/usage.md
-          # or https://code.claude.com/docs/en/cli-reference for available options
 

.github/workflows/claude.yml

@@ -26,13 +26,13 @@ jobs:
       actions: read # Required for Claude to read CI results on PRs
     steps:
       - name: Checkout repository
-        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        uses: actions/checkout@11bd71901bbe5b1630ceea73d27597364c9af683 # v4.2.2
         with:
           fetch-depth: 1
 
       - name: Run Claude Code
         id: claude
-        uses: anthropics/claude-code-action@v1
+        uses: anthropics/claude-code-action@756cc22e19660d20e8cc9496b4f242475a7f7790 # v1
         with:
           claude_code_oauth_token: ${{ secrets.CLAUDE_CODE_OAUTH_TOKEN }}
 
@@ -40,11 +40,3 @@ jobs:
           additional_permissions: |
             actions: read
 
-          # Optional: Give a custom prompt to Claude. If this is not specified, Claude will perform the instructions specified in the comment that tagged it.
-          # prompt: 'Update the pull request description to include a summary of changes.'
-
-          # Optional: Add claude_args to customize behavior and configuration
-          # See https://github.com/anthropics/claude-code-action/blob/main/docs/usage.md
-          # or https://code.claude.com/docs/en/cli-reference for available options
-          # claude_args: '--allowed-tools Bash(gh pr *)'
-

.github/workflows/test.yml

@@ -4,8 +4,11 @@ on:
   pull_request:
   push:
     branches: [main]
+  # Manual runs against any branch — useful when a PR's automatic run
+  # needs a re-run or didn't get created.
+  workflow_dispatch:
 
-# Both jobs only check out the repo and run pytest.
+# The jobs only check out the repo and run the tests.
 permissions:
   contents: read
 
@@ -13,6 +16,12 @@ jobs:
   plugin-safety:
     name: Plugin safety harness + unit tests
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    env:
+      # The bundled fixture plugin gives the harness at least one real plugin
+      # to render, and REQUIRE_PLUGINS turns "discovered zero plugins" into a
+      # hard failure instead of a silent all-skip green run.
+      LEDMATRIX_PLUGINS_DIR: test/fixtures/plugins
+      LEDMATRIX_REQUIRE_PLUGINS: "1"
     steps:
       - uses: actions/checkout@11bd71901bbe5b1630ceea73d27597364c9af683 # v4.2.2
         with:
@@ -26,15 +35,12 @@ jobs:
       - name: Install dependencies
         run: |
           python -m pip install --upgrade pip
-          pip install -r requirements.txt -r requirements-test.txt
+          pip install -r requirements.txt -r web_interface/requirements.txt -r requirements-test.txt
           pip install RGBMatrixEmulator
 
-      - name: Run harness + visual rendering tests
+      - name: Run plugin safety harness
         run: |
-          pytest --no-cov \
-            test/plugins/test_harness.py \
-            test/plugins/test_visual_rendering.py \
-            test/plugins/test_plugin_matrix.py
+          pytest --no-cov test/plugins/
 
   unit-tests:
     name: Core unit tests
@@ -52,31 +58,85 @@ jobs:
       - name: Install dependencies
         run: |
           python -m pip install --upgrade pip
-          pip install -r requirements.txt -r requirements-test.txt
+          pip install -r requirements.txt -r web_interface/requirements.txt -r requirements-test.txt
           pip install RGBMatrixEmulator
 
-      # Safety net for the shared sports/scroll/style infrastructure. These
-      # suites existed but were not enrolled in CI, so a refactor of
-      # src/base_classes or src/common could regress them silently. Enrolled
-      # explicitly (not `pytest test/`) so known hardware-only suites don't
-      # break CI; grow this list as more suites are made headless.
+      # Run the ENTIRE test tree (except test/plugins, which the
+      # plugin-safety job owns). New test files are enrolled automatically;
+      # excluding anything requires a visible, commented --ignore here.
+      # Coverage is measured and enforced only in this step — pytest.ini
+      # deliberately carries no coverage flags so local runs stay fast.
       - name: Run core unit suites
         run: |
-          pytest --no-cov \
-            test/test_skin_system.py \
-            test/test_font_manager.py \
-            test/test_data_sources.py \
-            test/test_api_extractors.py \
-            test/test_scroll_helper.py \
-            test/test_scroll_helper_continuous.py \
-            test/test_adaptive_layout.py \
-            test/test_loader_compat_warning.py \
-            test/test_sports_base_characterization.py \
-            test/test_element_style.py \
-            test/test_sports_core_promotions.py \
-            test/test_sports_modes_promotions.py \
-            test/test_sports_capabilities.py \
-            test/test_sports_scroll.py \
-            test/test_version_consistency.py \
-            test/test_plugin_compatibility_gate.py \
-            test/test_install_preserves_existing.py
+          pytest -m "not hardware" test/ \
+            --ignore=test/plugins \
+            --cov=src --cov=web_interface \
+            --cov-report=term \
+            --cov-fail-under=52
+
+  js-tests:
+    name: Web UI JS tests
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+      - uses: actions/checkout@11bd71901bbe5b1630ceea73d27597364c9af683 # v4.2.2
+        with:
+          persist-credentials: false
+
+      - uses: actions/setup-python@0b93645e9fea7318ecaed2b359559ac225c90a2b # v5.3.0
+        with:
+          python-version: "3.12"
+          cache: pip
+
+      - uses: actions/setup-node@49933ea5288caeca8642d1e84afbd3f7d6820020 # v4.4.0
+        with:
+          node-version: "22"
+
+      - name: Install dependencies
+        run: |
+          python -m pip install --upgrade pip
+          pip install -r requirements.txt -r web_interface/requirements.txt
+          npm install --no-audit --no-fund --prefix test/js
+
+      # The DOM suites test the real server-rendered pages and API, so they
+      # need the web interface running. REQUIRE_DOM turns "couldn't reach it"
+      # into a failure instead of a silent skip.
+      - name: Start the web interface
+        run: |
+          EMULATOR=true python -c "from web_interface.app import app; app.run(host='127.0.0.1', port=5000, threaded=True)" > web.log 2>&1 &
+          for i in $(seq 60); do curl -sf -o /dev/null http://127.0.0.1:5000/ && exit 0; sleep 1; done
+          cat web.log
+          exit 1
+
+      - name: Run JS suites
+        env:
+          BASE: http://127.0.0.1:5000
+          REQUIRE_DOM: "1"
+        run: node test/js/run_all.js
+
+  type-check:
+    name: Type check (mypy ratchet)
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    steps:
+      - uses: actions/checkout@11bd71901bbe5b1630ceea73d27597364c9af683 # v4.2.2
+        with:
+          persist-credentials: false
+
+      - uses: actions/setup-python@0b93645e9fea7318ecaed2b359559ac225c90a2b # v5.3.0
+        with:
+          python-version: "3.12"
+          cache: pip
+
+      # The runtime requirements are installed so mypy sees the real types of
+      # PIL, requests, psutil and friends -- missing, they'd be Any and the
+      # result would differ from a developer's machine. mypy and the stubs are
+      # pinned so a new release can't turn this red without a code change.
+      - name: Install dependencies
+        run: |
+          python -m pip install --upgrade pip
+          pip install -r requirements.txt -r web_interface/requirements.txt
+          pip install mypy==1.20.2 types-requests==2.33.0.20260906 types-pytz==2026.4.0.20260926
+
+      # mypy on exactly the modules in mypy-clean.txt; fails on any error in
+      # them, or if a listed file is missing. See CONTRIBUTING.md.
+      - name: Run mypy on the ratchet list
+        run: python scripts/check_types.py

.gitignore

@@ -3,12 +3,13 @@ __pycache__/
 *.py[cod]
 *$py.class
 
-# Secrets
-config/config_secrets.json
-config/config.json
-config/config.json.backup
-config/wifi_config.json
-config/uninstalled_plugins.json
+# Secrets and per-device state. Everything the software writes into config/
+# is local to one device -- config.json, config_secrets.json, wifi_config.json,
+# ytm_auth.json (a login session), saved_repositories.json, font_overrides.json,
+# and the temp files atomic writes leave behind when interrupted -- so only
+# the templates are tracked. Listing files one by one missed several.
+config/*
+!config/*.template.json
 credentials.json
 token.pickle
 
@@ -36,11 +37,12 @@ htmlcov/
 # Cache directory (root level only, not src/cache which is source code)
 /cache/
 
-# Development plugins directory
-# Plugins are managed as separate repositories via multi-root workspace
-# See docs/MULTI_ROOT_WORKSPACE_SETUP.md for details
+# Development plugins directory: symlinks into a ledmatrix-plugins checkout
+# See docs/PLUGIN_DEVELOPMENT_GUIDE.md and docs/MULTI_ROOT_WORKSPACE_SETUP.md
 plugins/*
 !plugins/.gitkeep
+# Local settings for scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh (template: dev_plugins.json.example)
+/dev_plugins.json
 
 # Binary files and backups
 bin/pixlet/
@@ -48,4 +50,40 @@ config/backups/
 
 # Starlark apps runtime storage (installed .star files and cached renders)
 /starlark-apps/
-skin_renders/
+
+# JS test deps (test/js)
+node_modules/
+package-lock.json
+
+# Team logos fetched at runtime.
+#
+# src/logo_downloader.py and LogoHelper write into assets/sports/<league>_logos/
+# whenever a plugin meets a team whose logo is not on disk. Those directories are
+# also tracked -- 209 NCAA logos and 153 soccer ones ship with the repo -- so
+# every rig accumulated untracked files it was never meant to commit and
+# `git status` was permanently dirty. That noise is not harmless: it trains
+# everyone to ignore the one signal that says a checkout is not what you think
+# it is, which is how a stale tree sat unnoticed on a rig until a restart
+# surfaced four dead sports plugins.
+#
+# Ignoring a directory does not untrack what is already in it, so the logos that
+# ship keep shipping. Only new downloads are hidden.
+#
+# Adding a logo on purpose is rare and deliberate -- the last time was #415, four
+# named NCAA logos a plugin needed, and there has been no other in a year. Do it
+# with an explicit override:
+#     git add -f assets/sports/ncaa_logos/DUKE.png
+assets/sports/*_logos/
+assets/stocks/ticker_icons/
+assets/stocks/crypto_icons/
+
+# Plugin operation state written at runtime.
+#
+# web_interface/app.py writes data/plugin_state.json and data/operation_history.json
+# (older releases also data/plugin_operations.json) as the web interface runs, into
+# a directory that ships tracked (data/.gitkeep). Unignored, every rig that ever
+# opened the web UI -- and every test run that constructs the app -- would leave
+# untracked files behind and a permanently dirty `git status`. Same reasoning as
+# the logo rule above: a checkout that is always dirty is a checkout nobody reads.
+data/*
+!data/.gitkeep

.pre-commit-config.yaml

@@ -37,14 +37,22 @@ repos:
         types: [python]
         pass_filenames: false
 
-  - repo: https://github.com/pre-commit/mirrors-mypy
-    rev: v1.8.0
+  # The mypy ratchet -- the same check as CI's "Type check (mypy ratchet)"
+  # job: mypy on exactly the modules listed in mypy-clean.txt. Run it with
+  #   pre-commit run mypy --hook-stage manual
+  # A local hook rather than mirrors-mypy so mypy sees the packages installed
+  # from requirements.txt, as CI does; an isolated hook env without them types
+  # PIL, requests and friends as Any and reports different errors. Needs
+  # mypy==1.20.2 (the version CI pins) in the environment you commit from.
+  - repo: local
     hooks:
       - id: mypy
-        additional_dependencies: [types-requests, types-pytz]
-        args: [--ignore-missing-imports, --no-error-summary]
+        name: mypy (ratchet, mypy-clean.txt)
+        entry: python scripts/check_types.py
+        language: system
         pass_filenames: false
-        files: ^src/
+        always_run: true
+        stages: [manual]
 
   - repo: https://github.com/PyCQA/bandit
     rev: 1.8.3

CLAUDE.md

@@ -6,40 +6,54 @@
 - `config/config.json` — User plugin configuration (persists across plugin reinstalls)
 - `plugin-repos/` — **Default** plugin install directory used by the
   Plugin Store, set by `plugin_system.plugins_directory` in
-  `config.json` (default per `config/config.template.json:130`).
+  `config.json` (default per `config/config.template.json`).
   Not gitignored.
 - `plugins/` — Legacy/dev plugin location. Gitignored (`plugins/*`).
   Used by `scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh` for symlinks. The plugin
-  loader falls back to it when something isn't found in `plugin-repos/`
-  (`src/plugin_system/schema_manager.py:77`).
+  loader does NOT fall back to it — `PluginManager.discover_plugins()`
+  (`src/plugin_system/plugin_manager.py`) scans only the configured
+  directory. Fallbacks exist in two narrower places: store operations
+  (`PluginStoreManager._find_plugin_path()` in `store_manager.py`, which
+  searches `store_search_dirs()` from `plugin_dirs.py`) and schema lookup
+  (`SchemaManager.get_schema_path()` in `schema_manager.py`, which probes
+  `plugins/` *before* `plugin-repos/`).
+- `src/plugin_system/plugin_dirs.py` — the one resolver for "which directory
+  holds plugin X" (manifest `id` first, then `<id>` / `ledmatrix-<id>`)
 
 ## Plugin System
 - Plugins inherit from `BasePlugin` in `src/plugin_system/base_plugin.py`
 - Required abstract methods: `update()`, `display(force_clear=False)`
-- Each plugin needs: `manifest.json`, `config_schema.json`, `manager.py`, `requirements.txt`
+- Each plugin needs: `manifest.json`, `config_schema.json`, and the entry point (`manager.py` by default); `requirements.txt` if it has dependencies. Required manifest fields: `docs/PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md#manifest-required-fields`
 - Plugin instantiation args: `plugin_id, config, display_manager, cache_manager, plugin_manager`
 - Config schemas use JSON Schema Draft-7
-- Display dimensions: always read dynamically from `self.display_manager.matrix.width/height`
+- Display dimensions: always read dynamically from `self.display_manager.width/height` — not `display_manager.matrix.width/height`, because `matrix` is `None` when hardware init fails (the properties fall back to the canvas size)
+- Secrets: namespaced by plugin id in `config/config_secrets.json`, declared
+  via `"x-secret": true` in the plugin's config schema, and deep-merged into
+  the plugin's config dict at load time — plugins read them with plain
+  `config.get(...)`, never a separate accessor
+
+## Dev Workflow
+- Link a plugin for development: `./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link-github <name>` clones the `ledmatrix-plugins` monorepo into `~/.ledmatrix-dev-plugins/` and links its `plugins/<name>` under the manifest id (add a repo URL for a plugin with its own repo; or `link <name> <path>`); symlinks land in `plugins/` — set `plugin_system.plugins_directory` to `plugins` so discovery picks them up. Fork/location overrides: `dev_plugins.json` (from `dev_plugins.json.example`)
+- Browser preview without the display loop: `python3 scripts/dev_server.py` → http://localhost:5001
+- Full display in emulator mode: `python3 run.py -e` (or `EMULATOR=true python3 run.py`)
+- Validate one plugin headlessly: `python3 scripts/check_plugin.py --plugin <id>`
+- Soak a rig for frame timing (on the Pi, service running): `python3 scripts/frame_soak.py --preview` — late-frame rate across every scroller; see `docs/SCROLL_PERFORMANCE.md`
 
 ## Plugin Store Architecture
 - Official plugins live in the `ledmatrix-plugins` monorepo (not individual repos)
 - Plugin repo naming convention: `ledmatrix-<plugin-id>` (e.g., `ledmatrix-football-scoreboard`)
 - `plugins.json` registry at `https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-plugins/main/plugins.json`
-- Store manager (`src/plugin_system/store_manager.py`) handles install/update/uninstall
-- Monorepo plugins are installed via ZIP extraction (no `.git` directory)
+- Store manager (`PluginStoreManager` in `src/plugin_system/store_manager.py`) handles install/update/uninstall
+- Monorepo plugins are installed without a `.git` directory: GitHub Trees API + raw downloads, falling back to ZIP extraction
 - Update detection for monorepo plugins uses version comparison (manifest version vs registry latest_version)
 - Plugin configs stored in `config/config.json`, NOT in plugin directories — safe across reinstalls
 - Third-party plugins can use their own repo URL with empty `plugin_path`
 
-## Skin System (visual overlays for sports scoreboards)
-- Skins live in `skins/<skin-id>/` (skin.json + skin.py), NOT in plugin dirs — plugin reinstall deletes plugin dirs
-- Core: `src/skin_system/` (ScoreboardSkin, SkinContext, runtime); hook: `SportsCore._render_game()` in `src/base_classes/sports.py`
-- Skins render onto `ctx.canvas` only; fallback to built-in renderer on `False`/exception (3 strikes disables for session)
-- View-model guaranteed keys are frozen (see `test/test_skin_system.py::TestViewModelContract`) — renaming keys in `_extract_game_details_common` or sport extractors breaks published skins
-- Validate skins headlessly: `python scripts/validate_skin.py --skin <id>`; docs: `docs/SKIN_SYSTEM.md`, `docs/CREATING_SKINS.md`
-- Skins are NOT monorepo plugins: no manifest bump / update_registry.py needed
-
 ## Common Pitfalls
-- paho-mqtt 2.x needs `callback_api_version=mqtt.CallbackAPIVersion.VERSION1` for v1 compat
+- paho-mqtt 2.x requires a `CallbackAPIVersion` argument: `VERSION1` for code written against v1 callback signatures (the MQTT bridge uses `VERSION2`)
 - BasePlugin uses `get_logger()` from `src.logging_config`, not standard `logging.getLogger()`
+- `DisplayManager` has no `draw_image()` — paste onto the PIL image directly:
+  `self.display_manager.image.paste(img, (x, y))` then `update_display()`
+  (use a mask for transparency: `image.paste(rgba, (x, y), rgba)`)
 - When modifying a plugin in the monorepo, you MUST bump `version` in its `manifest.json` and run `python update_registry.py` — otherwise users won't receive the update
+- `src/pi5_matrix_support.py` hardcodes what the pinned `rpi-rgb-led-matrix-master` can drive on a Raspberry Pi 5 (`Rp1PioConfigSupported()` in `lib/rp1/rp1_pio_backend.cc`). Re-check it whenever the submodule is bumped: a stale rule blocks Pi 5 settings the new library supports, and a missing one lets the display service crash-loop. `src/matrix_support.py` holds the same kind of rules for every board (rows, chain length, mapping names, parallel per mapping) and needs the same re-check

CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md

@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ ChuckBuilds, and any other forums hosted by or affiliated with the project.
 
 Instances of abusive, harassing, or otherwise unacceptable behavior may be
 reported to the community leaders responsible for enforcement on the
-[LEDMatrix Discord](https://discord.gg/uW36dVAtcT) (DM a moderator or
+[LEDMatrix Discord](https://discord.gg/RdrC37rEag) (DM a moderator or
 ChuckBuilds directly) or by opening a private GitHub Security Advisory if
 the issue involves account safety. All complaints will be reviewed and
 investigated promptly and fairly.

CONTRIBUTING.md

@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ improvements, and code changes.
 - **Bugs / feature requests**: open an issue using one of the templates
   in [`.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/`](.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/).
 - **Real-time discussion**: the
-  [LEDMatrix Discord](https://discord.gg/uW36dVAtcT).
+  [LEDMatrix Discord](https://discord.gg/RdrC37rEag).
 - **Plugin development**:
   [`docs/PLUGIN_DEVELOPMENT_GUIDE.md`](docs/PLUGIN_DEVELOPMENT_GUIDE.md)
   and the [`ledmatrix-plugins`](https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-plugins)
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ improvements, and code changes.
 ## Running the tests
 
 ```bash
-pip install -r requirements.txt
+pip install -r requirements.txt -r requirements-test.txt
 pytest
 ```
 
@@ -57,9 +57,21 @@ integration tests.
    `docs/<short-description>`.
 3. **Keep PRs focused.** One conceptual change per PR. If you find
    adjacent bugs while working, fix them in a separate PR.
-4. **Follow the existing code style.** Python code uses standard
-   `black`/`ruff` conventions; HTML/JS in `web_interface/` follows the
-   patterns already in `templates/v3/` and `static/v3/`.
+4. **Follow the existing code style.** The pre-commit hooks run
+   `flake8` (E9, F63, F7, F82 plus bugbear `B` checks), `bandit`,
+   and `gitleaks` — install the CLI with
+   `python -m pip install pre-commit`, then run
+   `pre-commit install` so they run on every commit. Type checking
+   is a ratchet while the existing mypy errors in `src/` are paid
+   down: `mypy-clean.txt` lists the modules that type-check clean, and
+   CI runs `python scripts/check_types.py` (also the manual hook
+   `pre-commit run mypy --hook-stage manual`) to keep every listed
+   module clean. When you make another module clean, add it to the
+   list (sorted); don't take one off to get CI green. Keep type fixes
+   annotation-only where you can -- widen a hint rather than delete a
+   defensive runtime check mypy calls unreachable. HTML/JS in
+   `web_interface/` follows the patterns already in `templates/v3/`
+   and `static/v3/`.
 5. **Update documentation** alongside code changes. If you add a
    config key, document it in the relevant `*.md` file (or, for
    plugins, in `config_schema.json` so the form is auto-generated).

PRODUCT.md

@@ -0,0 +1,74 @@
+# Product
+
+<!-- impeccable:product-schema 1 -->
+
+## Platform
+
+web
+
+## Users
+
+Designed novice-first, with power tools kept within reach.
+
+- **Primary: hobbyist builders.** People who assembled an LED matrix panel on a Raspberry Pi, often by following the install video, and are frequently new to Linux and the Pi. They set the display up once (panel size, timezone, WiFi), install and enable a few plugins, then come back occasionally to tweak what the panel shows. They usually reach the control panel from a phone or laptop on their home network, sometimes as an installed home-screen app.
+- **Secondary: tinkerers and plugin developers.** Comfortable with SSH, `config.json`, and GitHub. They lean on the Config Editor, Logs, Cache, Operation History, Tools, GitHub-repo installs, and per-plugin config while building or debugging. Their tools must stay reachable without sitting in the novice's path.
+
+## Product Purpose
+
+LEDMatrix turns a Raspberry Pi and an RGB LED matrix panel into an information-rich display (clock, weather, calendar, sports scores, stocks, music, and more) through a plugin platform. The web control panel ("LED Matrix Control") is where the display gets configured, extended, and kept healthy.
+
+Success means a builder gets from a freshly flashed Pi to a working, personalized display without needing a terminal, and can keep it running (updates, recovery, troubleshooting) the same way.
+
+## Positioning
+
+Four strengths define LEDMatrix, and future work must protect all of them:
+
+1. **Plugin ecosystem.** The core ships only `starlark-apps` and `web-ui-info`; everything else comes from the built-in Plugin Store (the official `ledmatrix-plugins` monorepo), third-party GitHub repos, or Starlark (Tidbyt-style) apps. Each installed plugin gets its own configuration tab, generated from its schema.
+2. **Runs on tiny Pis.** The UI is served by the same device that drives the matrix, on boards as small as the Pi Zero 2 W (512 MB), Pi 3/3B+, and the 1 GB Pi 4.
+3. **Recovers without SSH.** WiFi access-point fallback with a captive setup page, backup & restore, in-UI updates, live logs, diagnostics, service control, and plugin health let users fix problems from the browser.
+4. **Open and community-led.** GPL-3.0, a Discord community, and contributions welcome. The maintainer (ChuckBuilds) builds in public and openly relies on AI development tools.
+
+## Operating Context
+
+- **Access.** Served on the local network at `http://<pi-ip>:5000` by the `ledmatrix-web` service. It is installable as a PWA (`web_interface/static/v3/manifest.json`, short name "LEDMatrix").
+- **First run.** When the Pi has no network it creates its own WiFi access point, so the captive setup page (`templates/v3/captive_setup.html`) may be the very first screen a user sees, on a phone, with no internet connection.
+- **Navigation.**
+  - System tabs: Overview, General, WiFi, Schedule, Display, Rotation, Config Editor, Backup & Restore, Fonts, Logs, Cache, Operation History, Tools.
+  - A second row holds Plugin Manager (with the Plugin Store), Starlark Apps, and one tab per installed plugin.
+- **Live data.** The Overview shows system stats (CPU, memory, temperature, power/throttling) and a live display preview, streamed over SSE.
+- **Getting Started checklist.** The Overview's first-run checklist runs: set panel size → set timezone → install a plugin → enable it → configure it.
+- **Development.** `python3 scripts/dev_server.py` gives a browser preview without the display loop; `python3 run.py -e` runs the full display in emulator mode.
+
+## Capabilities and Constraints
+
+- **Hard constraint: plugin UI compatibility.** Third-party plugins rely on JSON Schema (Draft-7) generated config forms, the widget registry (`static/v3/js/widgets/`), `x-secret` fields, and plugin web-UI actions. UI changes must keep these working.
+- **Config storage.** Plugin configuration lives in `config/config.json` and secrets in `config/config_secrets.json`, never in plugin directories, so configs survive reinstalls.
+- **Stack.** An existing Flask + HTMX + Alpine.js app with Jinja templates (`web_interface/templates/v3/`) and static JS/CSS (`web_interface/static/v3/`), with self-hosted vendor assets.
+- **Terminology.** Plugin, Plugin Store, Starlark app, rotation, display duration, Vegas Scroll Mode, on-demand, AP mode.
+- **Open decisions** (offered during init, not adopted as constraints):
+  - Whether the UI must work fully offline, with no CDN fallbacks at runtime.
+  - Whether a Node/CSS build step is acceptable for contributors.
+  - Whether a formal accessibility standard (e.g. WCAG 2.2 AA) is a requirement.
+
+## Brand Commitments
+
+- **Names.** The product is "LEDMatrix" and the web UI is titled "LED Matrix Control". The maintainer brand is ChuckBuilds.
+- **Voice.** Friendly, honest, and learning-in-public, as in the README.
+- **App icons.** They live in `web_interface/static/v3/icons/`.
+
+No other visual identity has been made binding.
+
+## Evidence on Hand
+
+- **Photos.** Real photographs of running displays are linked in `README.md` (clock, weather, calendar, NHL/MLB/NFL/NCAA, stocks, music).
+- **Video.** YouTube install and walkthrough videos from ChuckBuilds.
+- **Docs.** Extensive documentation in `docs/`, e.g. `WEB_INTERFACE_GUIDE.md`, `GETTING_STARTED.md`, `WIFI_NETWORK_SETUP.md`, `LOW_MEMORY_BOARDS.md`, `PLUGIN_STORE_GUIDE.md`.
+- **Absences.** There are no testimonials, user counts, or benchmark figures. Do not fabricate them.
+
+## Product Principles
+
+1. **Novice path first, power one click away.** Default views serve the first-time builder, while advanced tools stay discoverable for tinkerers.
+2. **Never strand the user at a terminal.** Every setup, recovery, and troubleshooting task has a browser path, including from the AP-mode captive page.
+3. **Respect the Pi.** Every feature is paid for in memory and CPU on a Pi Zero 2 W that is also driving the display.
+4. **The ecosystem is the product.** Plugins, including third-party ones, must feel first-class and keep working across core UI changes.
+5. **Honest and welcoming.** Plain language, truthful status, and no overstated claims, in keeping with an open, community-built project.

README.md

@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ I'm trying to be open to constructive criticism and support, as long as it's a r
 - Show support on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChuckBuilds
 - Check out the write-up on my website: https://www.chuck-builds.com/led-matrix/
 - Stay in touch on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ChuckBuilds/
-- Want to chat? Reach out on the LEDMatrix Discord: [https://discord.com/invite/uW36dVAtcT](https://discord.gg/dfFwsasa6W)
+- Want to chat? Reach out on the LEDMatrix Discord: [https://discord.gg/RdrC37rEag](https://discord.gg/RdrC37rEag)
 - Feeling Generous? Consider sponsoring this project or sending a donation (these AI credits aren't cheap!)          
 
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -50,7 +50,15 @@ I'm trying to be open to constructive criticism and support, as long as it's a r
 
 <details>
 <summary>Core Features</summary>
-The following plugins are available inside of the LEDMatrix project. These modular, rotating Displays that can be individually enabled or disabled per the user's needs with some configuration around display durations, teams, stocks, weather, timezones, and more. Displays include:
+LEDMatrix is a plugin platform: the displays below are plugins installed
+from the built-in Plugin Store (web interface → Plugins), where each can be
+individually enabled, ordered, and configured — display durations, teams,
+stocks, weather, timezones, and more. The core repo ships with just two
+bundled plugins (`starlark-apps` and `web-ui-info`); the official plugins
+live in the [ledmatrix-plugins](https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-plugins)
+monorepo and install with one click, and third-party plugins can be
+installed from their own GitHub repositories. Displays available in the
+store include:
 
 ### Time and Weather
 - Real-time clock display (2x 64x32 Displays 4mm Pixel Pitch)
@@ -132,30 +140,31 @@ The system supports live, recent, and upcoming game information for multiple spo
 | This project can be finnicky! RGB LED Matrix displays are not built the same or to a high-quality standard. We have seen many displays arrive dead or partially working in our discord. Please purchase from a reputable vendor. |
 
 ### Raspberry Pi
-- Raspberry Pi Zero's don't have enough processing power for this project.
-- **Raspberry Pi 3B, 4, or 5**
+- **Raspberry Pi 3B, 4, or 5** (a Pi Zero 2 W also works, with the limits described under the 1GB/low-memory bullet below; the original Pi Zero / Zero W doesn't have enough processing power for this project)
   [Amazon Affiliate Link – Raspberry Pi 4 4GB RAM](https://amzn.to/4dJixuX)
   [Amazon Affiliate Link – Raspberry Pi 4 8GB RAM](https://amzn.to/4qbqY7F)
   - **Pi 5 users**: the installer automatically detects Pi 5 and builds the `rpi-rgb-led-matrix` library with RP1 support. If you previously installed on a Pi 4 and migrated the SD card, or if you see `mmap` errors in the logs, force a fresh library build:
     ```bash
     sudo RPI_RGB_FORCE_REBUILD=1 ./first_time_install.sh
     ```
-  - Pi 5 config: leave `rp1_rio` at `0` (PIO mode, default) and set `gpio_slowdown` to `1` or `2`.
-  - **1GB models (Pi 3B / 3B+) and other low-memory boards**: supported, but the `rpi-rgb-led-matrix` C++ build needs more memory than the Pi has. The installer detects this automatically, compiles with fewer parallel jobs, and adds a temporary swapfile for the build which it removes afterwards. Expect that step to take 15-25 minutes instead of 2-5, and leave at least **3GB free** on the SD card. If you manage swap yourself, opt out with `--skip-swap`. To pin the compiler down further, use `--build-jobs 1`.
+  - Pi 5 config: leave `rp1_rio` at `0` (PIO mode, default) and start `gpio_slowdown` at `1`, raising it a step at a time if the image flickers or shows garbage (see `gpio_slowdown` under Display Settings).
+  - **1GB models (Pi 3B / 3B+), the 512MB Pi Zero 2 W and other low-memory boards**: supported, but the `rpi-rgb-led-matrix` C++ build needs more memory than the Pi has. The installer detects this automatically, compiles with fewer parallel jobs, and adds a temporary swapfile for the build which it removes afterwards. Expect that step to take 15-25 minutes instead of 2-5, and leave at least **3GB free** on the SD card. If you manage swap yourself, opt out with `--skip-swap`. To pin the compiler down further, use `--build-jobs 1`. Once running, keep an eye on memory: see [docs/LOW_MEMORY_BOARDS.md](docs/LOW_MEMORY_BOARDS.md).
 
 
 ### RGB Matrix Bonnet / HAT
 - [Adafruit RGB Matrix Bonnet/HAT](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3211) – supports one “chain” of horizontally connected displays  
-- [Adafruit Triple LED Matrix Bonnet](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6358) – supports up to 3 vertical “chains” of horizontally connected displays *(use `regular-pi1` as hardware mapping)*  
+- [Adafruit Triple LED Matrix Bonnet](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6358) – supports up to 3 vertical “chains” of horizontally connected displays *(use `regular` as hardware mapping)*  
 - [Electrodragon RGB HAT](https://www.electrodragon.com/product/rgb-matrix-panel-drive-board-raspberry-pi/) – supports up to 3 vertical “chains”  
 - [Seengreat Matrix Adapter Board](https://amzn.to/3KsnT3j) – single-chain LED Matrix *(use `regular` as hardware mapping)*  
 
 ### LED Matrix Panels  
 (2x in a horizontal chain is recommended)
 - [Adafruit 64×32](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2278) – designed for 128×32 but works with dynamic scaling on many displays (pixel pitch is user preference)
+**Warning: Lately the Waveshare Panels have had different variations - only some are compatible with this project. I hope to identify what is different to fix it but so far there is a decent chance you get a mis-matched set of panels if you don't buy them all at once! **
 - [Waveshare 64×32](https://amzn.to/3Kw55jK) - Does not require E addressable pad
-- [Waveshare 96×48](https://amzn.to/4bydNcv) – higher resolution, requires soldering the **E addressable pad** on the [Adafruit RGB Bonnet](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3211) to “8” **OR** toggling the DIP switch on the Adafruit Triple LED Matrix Bonnet *(no soldering required!)*  
-  > Amazon Affiliate Link – ChuckBuilds receives a small commission on purchases  
+- [Waveshare 96×48](https://amzn.to/4bydNcv) – higher resolution, requires soldering the **E addressable pad** on the [Adafruit RGB Bonnet](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3211) to “8” **OR** toggling the DIP switch on the Adafruit Triple LED Matrix Bonnet *(no soldering required!)*
+- There are some Panels on Aliexpress that have worked fine for me, shop around! I think Adafruit is probably the "safest" but they do have some limitation on resolution and layout.
+  > Amazon Affiliate Links – ChuckBuilds receives a small commission on purchases  
 
 ### Power Supply
 - [5V 4A DC Power Supply](https://www.adafruit.com/product/658) (good for 2 -3 displays, depending on brightness and pixel density, you'll need higher amperage for more)
@@ -163,7 +172,7 @@ The system supports live, recent, and upcoming game information for multiple spo
 
 ## Optional but recommended mod for Adafruit RGB Matrix Bonnet
 - By soldering a jumper between pins 4 and 18, you can run a specialized command for polling the matrix display. This provides better brightness, less flicker, and better color.
-- If you do the mod, we will use the default config with led-gpio-mapping=adafruit-hat-pwm, otherwise just adjust your mapping in config.json to adafruit-hat
+- The default config uses `hardware_mapping` `adafruit-hat`. If you do the mod, change it to `adafruit-hat-pwm` (Display settings in the web interface, or `config.json`)
 - More information available: https://github.com/hzeller/rpi-rgb-led-matrix/tree/master?tab=readme-ov-file
 ![DSC00079](https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/4282d07d-dfa2-4546-8422-ff1f3a9c0703)
 
@@ -319,6 +328,7 @@ This one-shot installer will automatically:
 - Install required system packages (git, python3, build tools, etc.)
 - Clone or update the LEDMatrix repository
 - Run the complete first-time installation script
+- Print the web interface address, then **reboot the Pi automatically** (your SSH session will disconnect; give it a few minutes to come back)
 
 The installation process typically takes 10-30 minutes depending on your internet connection and Pi model. Pi 3B/3B+ and other 1GB boards land at the top of that range, because the C++ library is compiled serially to stay within available memory. All errors are reported explicitly with actionable fixes.
 
@@ -337,10 +347,10 @@ If you prefer to install manually or the one-shot installer doesn't work for you
 ssh ledpi@ledpi
 ```
 
-2. Update repositories, upgrade Raspberry Pi OS, and install prerequisites:
+2. Update repositories, upgrade Raspberry Pi OS, and install git (`first_time_install.sh` installs the build dependencies itself: `python3-pip`, `python-dev-is-python3`, `build-essential`, `cmake`, `ninja-build` and the rest):
 ```bash
 sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
-sudo apt install -y git python3-pip cython3 build-essential python3-dev python3-pillow scons
+sudo apt install -y git
 ```
 
 3. Clone this repository:
@@ -357,6 +367,12 @@ sudo bash ./first_time_install.sh
 
 This single script installs services, dependencies, configures permissions and sudoers, and validates the setup.
 
+It finishes by asking whether to reboot. If you run it non-interactively — piped, over a script, or with `-y` — there is no one to ask, so **it reboots immediately without prompting**. Pass `--no-reboot-prompt` to install without rebooting:
+
+```bash
+sudo bash ./first_time_install.sh -y --no-reboot-prompt
+```
+
 </details>
 
 </details>
@@ -372,6 +388,10 @@ This single script installs services, dependencies, configures permissions and s
 
 ### Initial Setup
 
+For a complete list of every key in `config.json` and
+`config_secrets.json`, see
+[docs/CONFIG_REFERENCE.md](docs/CONFIG_REFERENCE.md).
+
 For most settings I recommend using the web interface:
 Edit the project via the web interface at http://[IP ADDRESS or HOSTNAME]:5000 or http://ledpi:5000 .
 
@@ -380,7 +400,7 @@ If you need to manually edit your config file, you can follow the steps below:
 <summary>Manual Config.json editing </summary>
 
   1. **First-time setup**:
-     The previous "First_time_install.sh" script should've already copied the template to create your config.json:
+     The previous `first_time_install.sh` script should've already copied the template to create your config.json:
 
   2. **Edit your configuration**: 
    ```bash
@@ -417,7 +437,7 @@ I recommend using the web-ui "Quick Actions" to control the Display.
 ## Plugins
 
 <details>
-LEDMatrix uses a plugin-based architecture where all display functionality (except the core calendar) is implemented as plugins. All managers that were previously built into the core system are now available as plugins through the Plugin Store.
+LEDMatrix uses a plugin-based architecture where all display functionality is implemented as plugins. All managers that were previously built into the core system are now available as plugins through the Plugin Store.
 
 ### Plugin Store
 See the [Plugin Store documentation](https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-plugins) for detailed installation instructions.
@@ -439,19 +459,9 @@ You can also install plugins directly from GitHub repositories:
 
 See the [Plugin Store documentation](https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-plugins) for detailed installation instructions.
 
-For plugin development, check out the [Hello World Plugin](https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-hello-world) repository as a starter template.
+For plugin development, the `plugins/hello-world/` plugin in the [ledmatrix-plugins](https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-plugins) repository is a starter template.
 
-### Visual Skins for Scoreboards
-
-Want a different look for a sports scoreboard without forking the plugin?
-**Skins** restyle the live/recent/upcoming screens while the plugin keeps
-handling data, scheduling, caching, and vegas mode. Install one with
-`git clone <skin repo> skins/<skin-id>`, select it in the plugin's config,
-and you're done — see [docs/SKIN_SYSTEM.md](docs/SKIN_SYSTEM.md) (how it
-works) and [docs/CREATING_SKINS.md](docs/CREATING_SKINS.md) (build your own,
-including a ready-made Claude Code prompt).
-
-2. **Built-in Managers Deprecated**: The built-in managers (hockey, football, stocks, etc.) are now deprecated and have been moved to the plugin system. **You must install replacement plugins from the Plugin Store** in the web interface instead. The plugin system provides the same functionality with better maintainability and extensibility.
+**Built-in Managers Deprecated**: The built-in managers (hockey, football, stocks, etc.) are now deprecated and have been moved to the plugin system. **You must install replacement plugins from the Plugin Store** in the web interface instead. The plugin system provides the same functionality with better maintainability and extensibility.
 </details>
 
 ## Detailed Information
@@ -466,6 +476,10 @@ If you are copying my exact setup, you can likely leave the defaults alone. Howe
 
 The display settings are located in `config/config.json` under the `"display"` key and are organized into three main sections: `hardware`, `runtime`, and `display_durations`.
 
+The defaults below are the values in `config/config.template.json`. They are what applies when you haven't set a key: on every load, LEDMatrix adds any key your `config.json` lacks from the template, so `DisplayManager`'s own fallbacks are never reached on a normal install.
+
+The web UI and the config API refuse values the rgbmatrix library can't start with. If one is written into `config.json` by hand anyway, the display logs which setting it is (`Failed to initialize RGB Matrix` in `sudo journalctl -u ledmatrix`), runs in fallback mode, and the Display tab shows the message.
+
 ### Hardware Configuration (`display.hardware`)
 
 These settings control the physical hardware configuration and how the matrix is driven.
@@ -475,15 +489,18 @@ These settings control the physical hardware configuration and how the matrix is
 - **`rows`** (integer, default: 32)
   - Number of LED rows (vertical pixels) in each panel
   - Common values: 16, 32, 48, 64
+  - An even number from 8 to 64, the most the rgbmatrix library drives per panel
   - Must match your physical panel configuration
 
 - **`cols`** (integer, default: 64)
   - Number of LED columns (horizontal pixels) in each panel
   - Common values: 32, 64, 96, 128
+  - At least 16, with no upper limit
   - Must match your physical panel configuration
 
 - **`chain_length`** (integer, default: 2)
   - Number of LED panels chained together horizontally
+  - 1 to 255 (the library's Python binding stores it in one byte); longer chains lower the refresh rate
   - If you have 2 panels side-by-side, set to 2
   - If you have 4 panels in a row, set to 4
   - Total display width = `cols × chain_length`
@@ -492,68 +509,70 @@ These settings control the physical hardware configuration and how the matrix is
   - Number of parallel chains (panels stacked vertically)
   - Use 1 for a single row of panels
   - Use 2 if you have panels stacked in two rows
+  - 1–3, and no more than your `hardware_mapping` has outputs: `regular` and `classic` have 3 (e.g. the Adafruit Triple LED Matrix Bonnet); `adafruit-hat`, `adafruit-hat-pwm`, `regular-pi1` and `classic-pi1` have 1. The library stops the display service outright on a mismatch, so it is refused
   - Total display height = `rows × parallel`
 
 #### Brightness and Visual Settings
 
-- **`brightness`** (integer, 0-100, default: 90)
+- **`brightness`** (integer, 1-100, default: 90)
   - Display brightness level
-  - Lower values (0-50) are dimmer, higher values (50-100) are brighter
+  - Lower values (1-50) are dimmer, higher values (50-100) are brighter
   - Recommended: 70-90 for indoor use, 90-100 for bright environments
   - Very high brightness may cause distortion or require more power
 
 #### Hardware Mapping
 
-- **`hardware_mapping`** (string, default: "adafruit-hat-pwm")
+- **`hardware_mapping`** (string, default: "adafruit-hat")
   - Specifies which GPIO pin mapping to use for your hardware
   - **`"adafruit-hat-pwm"`**: Use this for Adafruit RGB Matrix Bonnet/HAT WITH the jumper mod (PWM enabled). This is the recommended setting for Adafruit hardware with the PWM jumper soldered.
   - **`"adafruit-hat"`**: Use this for Adafruit RGB Matrix Bonnet/HAT WITHOUT the jumper mod (no PWM). Remove `-pwm` from the value if you did not solder the jumper.
-  - **`"regular"`**: Standard GPIO pin mapping for direct GPIO connections (Generic)
+  - **`"regular"`**: Standard GPIO pin mapping for direct GPIO connections (Generic). Also the right choice for the Adafruit Triple LED Matrix Bonnet
   - **`"regular-pi1"`**: Standard GPIO pin mapping for Raspberry Pi 1 (older hardware or non-standard hat mapping)
+  - **`"classic"`** / **`"classic-pi1"`**: the library's original pin-outs, for old adapter boards wired to them. Not used by current HATs
+  - Any other name is refused. `compute-module` is only compiled in when the library is built with `ENABLE_WIDE_GPIO_COMPUTE_MODULE`, which the installer doesn't do. On a Raspberry Pi 5, `classic-pi1` isn't supported
   - Choose the option that matches your specific hardware setup, if aren't sure try them all.
+  - Hardware pulsing (see `disable_hardware_pulsing`) needs the panel's OE line on GPIO 18, which `adafruit-hat-pwm` and `regular` provide and `adafruit-hat` does not
 
 #### PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) Settings
 
 These settings affect color fidelity and smoothness of color transitions:
 
-- **`pwm_bits`** (integer, default: 9)
-  - Number of bits used for PWM (affects color depth)
-  - Higher values (9-11) = more color levels, smoother gradients
-  - Lower values (7-8) = fewer color levels, but may improve stability on some hardware
-  - Range: 1-11, recommended: 9-10
+- **`pwm_bits`** (integer, 1-11, default: 9)
+  - Color depth per channel: how many brightness levels each LED gets
+  - Higher values (9-11) = more color levels, smoother gradients, lower refresh rate
+  - Lower values (7-8) = the subtlest shades are dropped for a higher refresh rate; `1` gives 8 colors
+  - Recommended: 9-10
 
-- **`pwm_dither_bits`** (integer, default: 1)
-  - Additional dithering bits for smoother color transitions
-  - Helps reduce color banding in gradients
-  - Higher values (1-2) = smoother gradients but may impact performance
-  - Range: 0-2, recommended: 1
+- **`pwm_dither_bits`** (integer, 0-2, default: 1)
+  - Time-dithers the lowest color bits: their brightness comes from showing them on only some frames
+  - Raises the refresh rate; the cost is that dark shades can shimmer slightly
+  - `0` = steadiest dim colors, `2` = fastest
+  - The rgbmatrix library accepts only 0-2; a higher value stops the display starting
 
-- **`pwm_lsb_nanoseconds`** (integer, default: 130)
-  - Least significant bit timing in nanoseconds
-  - Controls the base timing for PWM signals
-  - Lower values = faster PWM, higher values = slower PWM
+- **`pwm_lsb_nanoseconds`** (integer, 50-3000, default: 130)
+  - On-time of the least significant color bit; each higher bit doubles it
+  - Lower values = higher refresh rate, but can cost color accuracy or add ghosting on some panels
+  - Higher values = less ghosting (faint trails behind bright text on black), lower refresh rate
   - Typical range: 100-300 nanoseconds
-  - May need adjustment if you see flickering or color issues
 
 #### Advanced Hardware Settings
 
-- **`scan_mode`** (integer, default: 0)
-  - Panel scan mode (how rows are addressed)
-  - Common values: 0 (progressive), 1 (interlaced)
-  - Most panels use 0, but some require 1
-  - Check your panel datasheet if colors appear incorrect
+- **`scan_mode`** (integer, 0-1, default: 0)
+  - Order the rows are refreshed in: `0` = progressive, `1` = interlaced
+  - Interlaced can look a little smoother when the refresh rate is very low, but usually shows a comb effect on anything moving
+  - Leave at `0` unless you are tuning a slow setup
 
 - **`limit_refresh_rate_hz`** (integer, default: 100)
-  - Maximum refresh rate in Hz (frames per second)
-  - Caps the refresh rate for better stability
-  - Lower values (60-80) = more stable, less CPU usage
-  - Higher values (100-120) = smoother animations, more CPU usage
-  - Recommended: 80-100 for most setups
+  - Caps the panel refresh rate in Hz; `0` = no cap
+  - A steady cap reduces flicker caused by other activity on the Pi, and in camera recordings
+  - Scroll speeds are worked out against this value (against 100 Hz when it is `0`), so a cap the panel can actually hold keeps scrolling even
+  - Recommended: 80-120. `sudo python3 scripts/scroll_speeds.py --measure` reports the rate your panel really achieves
 
 - **`disable_hardware_pulsing`** (boolean, default: false)
-  - Disables hardware pulsing (usually leave as false)
-  - Set to `true` only if you experience timing issues
-  - Most users should leave this as `false`
+  - `false` = the Pi's hardware PWM times each brightness pulse; `true` = software timing
+  - Leave `false` where possible. Software timing is less exact, so a row, or the whole panel, can briefly flash brighter
+  - Hardware pulsing needs the panel's OE line on GPIO 18 (`adafruit-hat-pwm`, `regular`, the Adafruit Triple LED Matrix Bonnet). With `adafruit-hat` the library uses software timing anyway
+  - It also needs the Pi's onboard sound driver (`snd_bcm2835`) disabled, which `first_time_install.sh` does. Set `true` only if you need the Pi's own audio
 
 - **`inverse_colors`** (boolean, default: false)
   - Inverts all colors (red becomes cyan, etc.)
@@ -561,9 +580,9 @@ These settings affect color fidelity and smoothness of color transitions:
   - Set to `true` only if colors appear inverted
 
 - **`show_refresh_rate`** (boolean, default: false)
-  - Displays the current refresh rate on the matrix (for debugging)
-  - Set to `true` to see FPS on the display
-  - Useful for troubleshooting performance issues
+  - Prints the live refresh rate to the console; nothing is drawn on the panel
+  - Readable when you stop the service and run `sudo python3 run.py` in a terminal; under the service the output is buffered
+  - `sudo python3 scripts/scroll_speeds.py --measure` is an easier way to see the real refresh rate
 
 #### Advanced Panel Configuration (Advanced Users Only)
 
@@ -573,6 +592,7 @@ These settings are typically only needed for non-standard panels or custom confi
   - Color channel order for your LED panel
   - Common values: "RGB", "RBG", "GRB", "GBR", "BRG", "BGR"
   - Most panels use "RGB", but some use "GRB" or other orders
+  - If red shows as blue, try "BGR" (the Waveshare 96x48 V2 needs it)
   - Check your panel datasheet if colors appear wrong
 
 - **`pixel_mapper_config`** (string, default: "")
@@ -582,40 +602,76 @@ These settings are typically only needed for non-standard panels or custom confi
   - Leave empty unless you need custom mapping
   - See rpi-rgb-led-matrix documentation for full options
 
+- **`orientation`** (string, default: "normal")
+  - Rotates the rendered image to match how the panel is physically mounted
+  - Set to `"180"` (or use the "Upside Down" option in the web UI's Display
+    settings) if the panel is mounted upside down — useful for optimizing
+    where the Raspberry Pi and wiring sit relative to the mounting location
+  - `"90"` and `"270"` are for a panel mounted on its side; they swap the
+    display's width and height
+  - Applied independently of `pixel_mapper_config` (appended as a trailing
+    `Rotate:<degrees>` mapper), so custom mapper configs keep working alongside it
+
 - **`row_address_type`** (integer, default: 0)
   - How rows are addressed on the panel
   - Most panels use 0 (direct addressing)
-  - Some panels require 1 (AB addressing) or 2 (ABC addressing)
+  - 1 = AB-addressed, 2 = direct row select, 3 = ABC-addressed,
+    4 = ABC shift + DE direct (SM5266), 5 = SM5368 / B707 row shift register
+  - ABC panels (no E line, e.g. many 128x64 FM6124 panels) use 3
+  - Panels with SM5368 row drivers use 5 with `led_rgb_sequence` `"BGR"` —
+    e.g. the Waveshare 96x48 V2 (back silkscreen `24S-A1`; the V1, `24S-A2.1`,
+    uses the defaults). This is what Waveshare's `96X48_1_24_SM5368` panel
+    type sets in their library fork.
+  - SM5368 row drivers are timing-sensitive: if rows jump up and down or the
+    bottom row shows a copy of other rows, raise `gpio_slowdown`. On a Pi 4
+    with an Adafruit Triple LED Matrix Bonnet, 4 left rows jumping; 6–8 gave a
+    stable image.
+  - On a Raspberry Pi 5 the rgbmatrix library currently supports only 0 and 2
+    (and `parallel` 1-3). Anything else would crash the display service, so on
+    a Pi 5 the web UI offers only 0 and 2, the config API refuses the others,
+    and if one is set in `config.json` anyway the display logs why and runs in
+    fallback mode
   - Check your panel datasheet if display appears corrupted
 
-- **`multiplexing`** (integer, default: 0)
-  - Panel multiplexing type
-  - 0 = no multiplexing (standard panels)
-  - Higher values for panels with different multiplexing schemes
-  - Check your panel datasheet for the correct value
+- **`multiplexing`** (integer, 0-22, default: 0)
+  - How pixels are wired on outdoor/specialty panels (P10, P8, P4 and P3 outdoor modules and similar) whose LEDs aren't laid out in straight rows
+  - `0` = direct (standard indoor panels)
+  - `1` Stripe, `2` Checkered, `3` Spiral, `4` ZStripe, `5` ZnMirrorZStripe,
+    `6` Coreman, `7` Kaler2Scan, `8` ZStripeUneven, `9` P10-128x4-Z,
+    `10` QiangLiQ8, `11` InversedZStripe, `12`–`14` P10Outdoor1R1G1B v1–v3,
+    `15` P10CoremanMapper, `16` P8Outdoor1R1G1B, `17` FlippedStripe,
+    `18` P10-32x16-HalfScan, `19` P10-32x16-QuarterScan, `20` P3Outdoor-64x64,
+    `21` DoubleZMultiplex, `22` P4Outdoor-80x40
+  - If the image is scrambled in a repeating pattern, try the value named after your panel first
+
+- **`panel_type`** (string, default: `""`)
+  - Sends a start-up initialization sequence to driver chips that need one
+  - `""` = Standard (no initialization) — right for most panels, including FM6124 / FM6124D / FM6124DJ
+  - `"FM6126A"` or `"FM6127"` for panels with those chips; try `"FM6126A"` if the panel stays dark or lights only the first pixel on Standard
 
 ### Runtime Configuration (`display.runtime`)
 
 These settings control runtime behavior and GPIO timing:
 
 - **`gpio_slowdown`** (integer, default: 3)
-  - GPIO timing slowdown factor
-  - **Critical setting**: Must match your Raspberry Pi model for stability
-  - **Raspberry Pi 3**: Use 3
-  - **Raspberry Pi 4**: Use 4
-  - **Raspberry Pi 5**: Use 1–2 in PIO mode (`rp1_rio: 0`, the default); start with `1` and increase if you see flickering
-  - **Raspberry Pi Zero/1**: Use 1-2
-  - Incorrect values can cause display corruption, flickering, or system instability
+  - GPIO timing slowdown factor (0-10): slows GPIO writes so the panel electronics keep up. Higher is more reliable but lowers the refresh rate
+  - **Critical setting**: depends on your Raspberry Pi model and your panel
+  - **Raspberry Pi Zero/1**: 0-1
+  - **Raspberry Pi 2/3**: 1-3
+  - **Raspberry Pi 4**: 2-4 (the config template ships 3)
+  - **Raspberry Pi 5**: 1–3 in PIO mode (`rp1_rio: 0`, the default). Start at `1` (the library treats `0` as `1` there) and raise it a step at a time if the image flickers or shows garbage — chained panels are the likeliest to need it
+  - Panels on `row_address_type` 5 (SM5368 row drivers) can need 6-8 on a Pi 4
+  - Too low: garbage, flicker or rows jumping. Too high: a lower refresh rate
   - If you experience issues, try adjusting this value up or down by 1
 
+- **`rp1_rio`** (integer, 0 or 1, default: 0) — Raspberry Pi 5 only
+  - Which driver the Pi 5's RP1 chip uses: `0` = PIO (default, less CPU), `1` = RIO (registered I/O, can reach a higher refresh rate)
+  - In RIO mode the effect of `gpio_slowdown` is inverted: higher values may be faster
+  - Ignored on a Pi 0-4, and applied only if the installed rgbmatrix library supports it
+
 ### Display Durations (`display.display_durations`)
 
-Controls how long each display module stays visible in seconds before switching to the next one.
-
-- **`calendar`** (integer, default: 30)
-  - Duration in seconds for the calendar display
-  - Increase for more time to read dates/events
-  - Decrease to cycle through other displays faster
+Controls how long each installed plugin stays visible in seconds before switching to the next one, keyed by plugin id.
 
 - **Plugin-specific durations**
   - Each plugin can have its own duration setting
@@ -634,9 +690,10 @@ Controls how long each display module stays visible in seconds before switching
 ### Display Format Settings
 
 - **`use_short_date_format`** (boolean, default: true)
-  - Use short date format (e.g., "Jan 15") instead of long format (e.g., "January 15th")
-  - Set to `false` for longer, more readable dates
-  - Set to `true` to save space and show more information
+  - Currently has no effect. The web UI still saves it, but no core code
+    reads it. Scoreboard plugins that offer a short date format read the
+    setting from their own plugin config instead. See
+    [CONFIG_REFERENCE.md](docs/CONFIG_REFERENCE.md#display--other-keys).
 
 ### Dynamic Duration Settings (`display.dynamic_duration`)
 
@@ -645,7 +702,7 @@ Controls how long each display module stays visible in seconds before switching
   - Some plugins can automatically adjust their display time based on content
   - This setting limits how long they can extend (prevents one display from dominating)
   - Example: If set to 60, a plugin can extend up to 60 seconds even if it requests longer
-  - Leave unset to use the default cap (typically 90 seconds)
+  - Leave unset to use the default cap (180 seconds; the web UI accepts 30-1800)
 
 ### Example Configuration
 
@@ -692,6 +749,14 @@ Controls how long each display module stays visible in seconds before switching
 - Verify `hardware_mapping` matches your HAT/connection type
 - Try adjusting `gpio_slowdown`
 - Ensure your display doesn't need the E-Addressable line
+- If it went blank right after a settings change, the Display tab shows a "simulation mode" banner, and `sudo journalctl -u ledmatrix` shows `Failed to initialize RGB Matrix` followed by the reason. When LEDMatrix refused the settings (for example more than 64 `rows`, `parallel` 2 on an `adafruit-hat` mapping, a misspelled `hardware_mapping`, or on a Raspberry Pi 5 a `row_address_type` other than 0 or 2), the message names each one: change them, save, and restart the display service. Otherwise the library itself failed, and its own message just before names the problem
+- A repeating scramble points at `row_address_type` or `multiplexing`; a panel that stays dark, at `panel_type`
+
+**Rows jump up and down, or the bottom row repeats other rows:**
+- Raise `gpio_slowdown` a step at a time (SM5368 panels on `row_address_type` 5 can need 6-8 on a Pi 4)
+
+**A row or the whole panel briefly flashes brighter:**
+- Set `disable_hardware_pulsing` to `false` (needs the OE line on GPIO 18; see `hardware_mapping`)
 
 **Colors are wrong or inverted:**
 - Check `led_rgb_sequence` (try "GRB" if "RGB" doesn't work)
@@ -716,15 +781,21 @@ Controls how long each display module stays visible in seconds before switching
 <details>
 <summary>Manual SSH Commands (for reference)</summary>
 
-The quick actions essentially just execute the following commands on the Pi.
+The web interface's quick actions (Start/Stop/Restart Display) call
+`sudo systemctl start|stop|restart ledmatrix.service` — see
+`execute_system_action()` in
+[`web_interface/blueprints/api_v3/system.py`](web_interface/blueprints/api_v3/system.py).
+The service runs [`run.py`](run.py) as root.
 
-From the project root directory (ex: /home/ledpi/LEDMatrix):
+To run the display in the foreground instead (for debugging), stop the service
+first, then from the project root (e.g. `/home/ledpi/LEDMatrix`):
 
 ```bash
-sudo python3 display_controller.py
+sudo systemctl stop ledmatrix.service
+sudo python3 run.py          # add -d for debug logging
 ```
 
-This will start the display cycle but only stays active as long as your ssh session is active.
+This only runs as long as your SSH session stays open.
 
 ### Convenience Scripts
 
@@ -766,9 +837,11 @@ sudo ./scripts/install/install_service.sh
 
 The script will:
 - Detect your user account and home directory
-- Install the service file with the correct paths
-- Enable the service to start on boot
-- Start the service immediately
+- Install `ledmatrix.service` (display, runs as root), `ledmatrix-web.service`
+  (web interface, runs as your user) and the `ledmatrix-update-verify` units,
+  with the correct paths
+- Enable them to start on boot
+- Start them immediately
 
 ### Managing the Service
 
@@ -875,7 +948,7 @@ sudo systemctl enable ledmatrix-web.service
 - **On-Demand Controls**: Start specific displays (weather, stocks, sports) on demand
 - **Service Management**: Start/stop the main display service
 - **System Controls**: Restart, update code, and manage the system
-- **API Metrics**: Monitor API usage and system performance
+- **System Stats**: CPU, memory and temperature on the Overview tab
 - **Logs**: View system logs in real-time
 
 ### Troubleshooting Web Interface
@@ -892,9 +965,10 @@ sudo systemctl enable ledmatrix-web.service
 3. Check if another service is using port 5000
 
 **Service Fails to Start:**
-1. Check Python dependencies are installed
-2. Verify the virtual environment is set up correctly
-3. Check file permissions and ownership
+1. Check Python dependencies are installed. The installer puts them in the
+   system Python with `pip install --break-system-packages` (there is no
+   virtual environment), so `python3 -c "import flask"` should succeed.
+2. Check file permissions and ownership
 
 </details>
 

SECURITY.md

@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ Use one of these channels, in order of preference:
    maintainer.
    - Direct link: <https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/LEDMatrix/security/advisories/new>
 2. **Discord DM**. Send a direct message to a moderator on the
-   [LEDMatrix Discord](https://discord.gg/uW36dVAtcT). Don't post in
+   [LEDMatrix Discord](https://discord.gg/RdrC37rEag). Don't post in
    public channels.
 
 Please include:

assets/README.md

@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+# assets/
+
+Static assets bundled with LEDMatrix. **Do not delete these directories** —
+several look unused from core code alone but are resolved at runtime by
+installed store plugins.
+
+| Directory | Used by |
+|---|---|
+| `fonts/` | Core (`FontManager`, `DisplayManager`) and most plugins |
+| `sports/` | Core logo tooling (`src/logo_downloader.py`) and the sports scoreboard plugins; team logos are downloaded here on demand |
+| `stocks/` | `ledmatrix-stocks` plugin (`crypto_icons/`, `ticker_icons/`) |
+| `weather/` | `ledmatrix-weather` plugin (weather icons) |
+| `news_logos/` | `news` plugin |
+| `broadcast_logos/` | `news` and `odds-ticker` plugins |
+| `static_images/` | Legacy examples referenced in the `static-image` plugin's docs; the plugin itself stores uploads under `assets/plugins/<plugin-id>/uploads/` |
+| `plugins/` | Per-plugin uploaded files (`assets/plugins/<plugin-id>/uploads/`), served by the web interface |
+
+Plugins resolve these paths relative to the LEDMatrix install directory, so
+the directories are part of the de-facto plugin API even where no file in
+this repo references them. New plugins should bundle their own assets or
+use the per-plugin upload directory instead of adding top-level
+directories here.

config/config.template.json

@@ -1,5 +1,8 @@
 {
     "web_display_autostart": true,
+    "auto_update": {
+        "enabled": false
+    },
     "schedule": {
         "enabled": false,
         "mode": "per-day",
@@ -110,7 +113,12 @@
             "inverse_colors": false,
             "show_refresh_rate": false,
             "led_rgb_sequence": "RGB",
-            "limit_refresh_rate_hz": 100
+            "limit_refresh_rate_hz": 100,
+            "pixel_mapper_config": "",
+            "orientation": "normal",
+            "row_address_type": 0,
+            "multiplexing": 0,
+            "panel_type": ""
         },
         "runtime": {
             "gpio_slowdown": 3,
@@ -125,6 +133,9 @@
         "plugin_rotation_order": [],
         "use_short_date_format": true,
         "vegas_scroll": {
+            "live_in_ticker": false,
+            "live_weight": 3,
+            "favorite_live_weight": 5,
             "enabled": false,
             "scroll_speed": 50,
             "separator_width": 32,
@@ -145,11 +156,13 @@
             "min_plugin_width": 8,
             "lead_in_width": 0,
             "plugins_per_cycle": 6,
-            "max_plugin_width_ratio": 3.0,
+            "max_plugin_width_ratio": 0.0,
             "overflow_mode": "rotate",
             "dynamic_duration_enabled": true,
             "min_cycle_duration": 60,
-            "max_cycle_duration": 240
+            "max_cycle_duration": 240,
+            "frame_based_scrolling": true,
+            "scroll_delay": 0.02
         }
     },
     "sync": {
@@ -158,9 +171,7 @@
         "follower_position": "left"
     },
     "plugin_system": {
-        "plugins_directory": "plugin-repos",
-        "auto_discover": true,
-        "auto_load_enabled": true
+        "plugins_directory": "plugin-repos"
     },
     "web-ui-info": {
         "enabled": true,

config/config_secrets.template.json

@@ -1,9 +1,5 @@
 {
-    "youtube": {
-        "api_key": "YOUR_YOUTUBE_API_KEY",
-        "channel_id": "YOUR_YOUTUBE_CHANNEL_ID"
-    },
     "github": {
         "api_token": "YOUR_GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN"
     }
-}
+}

dev_plugins.json.example

@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+{
+  "dev_plugins_dir": "~/.ledmatrix-dev-plugins",
+  "github_user": "ChuckBuilds",
+  "plugins_repo": "ledmatrix-plugins",
+  "plugins_branch": "main"
+}

display_controller.py

@@ -1,12 +1,20 @@
 #!/usr/bin/env python3
+"""Legacy entry point: runs ``run.py``, which is the one to use.
+
+``python3 run.py`` (``-e`` for the emulator, ``-d`` for debug logging) is how
+the display service and the docs start LEDMatrix. This file used to import
+``src.display_controller.main`` directly, which skipped what run.py sets up
+first -- ``sys.dont_write_bytecode`` (root-owned ``__pycache__`` in plugin
+directories blocks the web service from updating them), the ``-e``/``-d``
+flags, and the logging configuration. It now runs run.py exactly as
+``python3 run.py`` would, with the same arguments.
+"""
 
 import os
-import sys
-
-# Add the project root directory to Python path
-sys.path.append(os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__)))
-
-from src.display_controller import main
+import runpy
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
-    main() 
+    runpy.run_path(
+        os.path.join(os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__)), "run.py"),
+        run_name="__main__",
+    )

docs/ADAPTIVE_LAYOUT.md

@@ -223,8 +223,8 @@ The harness already renders every plugin at a spread of sizes (now
 including 96x48):
 
 ```bash
-python scripts/check_plugin.py <plugin-dir> --sizes 64x32,128x32,96x48,128x64,256x64
-python scripts/render_plugin.py <plugin-dir> --width 96 --height 48
+python scripts/check_plugin.py --plugin <plugin-id> --sizes 64x32,128x32,96x48,128x64,256x64
+python scripts/render_plugin.py --plugin <plugin-id> --width 96 --height 48
 ```
 
 `BoundsCheckingDisplayManager` flags right/bottom overflow and now records

docs/ADVANCED_FEATURES.md

@@ -47,6 +47,11 @@ Enable Vegas mode in `config/config.json`:
 }
 ```
 
+Vegas mode can also be configured entirely from the web UI — the
+**Display** tab has a Vegas Scroll Mode section (enable toggle, scroll
+speed, separator width, dynamic duration, and more), so hand-editing
+JSON is optional.
+
 **Configuration Options:**
 
 | Setting | Default | Description |
@@ -57,7 +62,99 @@ Enable Vegas mode in `config/config.json`:
 | `plugin_order` | `[]` | Plugin display order (empty = auto) |
 | `excluded_plugins` | `[]` | Plugins to exclude from Vegas mode |
 | `target_fps` | `125` | Target frame rate |
-| `buffer_ahead` | `2` | Number of panels to render ahead |
+| `buffer_ahead` | `2` | Number of plugins buffered ahead |
+
+This table is a subset — `display.vegas_scroll` supports 30 keys in
+total. See the full list in
+[CONFIG_REFERENCE.md](CONFIG_REFERENCE.md#displayvegas_scroll--continuous-scroll-mode).
+
+### Live Content in the Ticker
+
+By default, live content **preempts** Vegas mode: while any plugin reports
+live priority, the display controller refuses to run the ticker and shows
+that plugin's full-screen display instead. You get a big readable scoreboard,
+but the marquee stops entirely for the duration of the game.
+
+Set `live_in_ticker` to keep the ticker running and let live content take
+**extra turns inside it** instead:
+
+```json
+"vegas_scroll": {
+  "live_in_ticker": true,
+  "live_weight": 3,
+  "favorite_live_weight": 5
+}
+```
+
+#### Why weights exist
+
+The rotation is otherwise a strict round robin — every plugin appears exactly
+once per cycle. With a dozen plugins enabled, a live score comes round once a
+lap and can be minutes old by the time you see it. A weight of *N* gives a
+plugin *N* slots per cycle.
+
+The slots are placed by **Smooth Weighted Round-Robin**, the same scheduler
+the sports plugins use internally to rotate their own games. The important
+property is that repeats are *spread through the cycle* rather than clumped:
+three appearances in a row followed by a long silence would be worse than not
+boosting at all.
+
+Twelve plugins, with a favorite's baseball game and an ordinary live hockey
+game (`live_weight: 3`, `favorite_live_weight: 5`):
+
+```
+baseball > hockey > weather  > clock  > baseball
+stocks   > news   > flights  > baseball > hockey
+calendar > f1     > music    > baseball > tides
+birds    > hockey > baseball
+```
+
+18 slots for 12 plugins. Baseball appears 5 times, hockey 3, everything else
+once, and no plugin ever appears twice in a row — **including across the seam**
+where the cycle loops back on itself. Smooth Weighted Round-Robin schedules the
+heaviest item first and usually last as well, so the strip would otherwise show
+it twice running at exactly the one join a within-cycle check cannot see. The
+trailing repeat is moved into the widest remaining gap. Where a double is
+unavoidable — a plugin holding most of the slots has to neighbour itself — the
+schedule is left as it is.
+
+#### Where the weight comes from
+
+For each plugin in the rotation, in order:
+
+1. **The plugin's own answer.** If it implements
+   `get_vegas_priority_weight()` and returns a number, that wins. This is the
+   only route for favorite-team awareness — the core can see *that* a game is
+   live, but not *whose*, so a scoreboard has to say so itself.
+2. **The core's default.** When the plugin returns `None` (the base-class
+   default), a plugin where both `has_live_priority()` and `has_live_content()`
+   are true gets `live_weight`.
+3. **Everything else** gets 1.
+
+Because of step 2, **existing plugins need no changes** — any scoreboard with
+`live_priority` enabled already gets extra turns. Step 1 is opt-in, for
+plugins that want to distinguish a favorite's game from any other live game.
+
+Weights are clamped to 1–10. A weight of 1 is no boost; a weight below 1 would
+drop the plugin from the rotation entirely, which is never what is meant.
+
+#### Things worth knowing
+
+- **Weights are per plugin, not per game.** A scoreboard showing four live
+  games still occupies one slot at a time, rotating its own games within that
+  slot using its own `favorite_live_boost`. This controls how often the
+  *plugin* comes round.
+- **The ticker is zero-sum.** Giving baseball 5 slots does not make the cycle
+  faster; it makes the cycle *longer* and everything else proportionally
+  rarer. If you want live scores sooner in wall-clock terms, pair this with a
+  smaller `plugins_per_cycle`.
+- **Frequency is not freshness.** Each appearance redraws from the plugin's
+  current data (`refresh_updated_plugins()` drops cached content when a
+  plugin's data changes), but how current that data is depends on the
+  plugin's own `live_update_interval`. Showing a stale score five times a lap
+  is no better than showing it once.
+- **Everything still appears.** A boost never starves another plugin out of
+  the cycle; low-weight plugins keep their single slot.
 
 ### Per-Plugin Configuration
 
@@ -79,68 +176,62 @@ Override Vegas behavior for specific plugins:
 | Setting | Values | Description |
 |---------|--------|-------------|
 | `vegas_mode` | `scroll`, `fixed`, `static` | Display mode for this plugin |
-| `vegas_panel_count` | `1-10` | Width in panels (1 panel = display width) |
+| `vegas_panel_count` | any positive integer | Width in panels (1 panel = display width) |
 | `display_duration` | seconds | Pause duration for STATIC mode |
 
+Plugins may also set `vegas_overflow` and `vegas_max_width_screens` in
+their config section to control how oversized content is handled (see
+`PluginManager` in `src/plugin_system/plugin_manager.py`).
+
 ### Plugin Integration (Developer Guide)
 
+All of these have defaults in
+[`BasePlugin`](../src/plugin_system/base_plugin.py); override only what you
+need.
+
 **1. Implement Content Method:**
 
 ```python
 def get_vegas_content(self):
-    """
-    Return PIL Image or list of Images for Vegas mode.
-
-    Returns:
-        PIL.Image or list[PIL.Image]: Content to display
-        - Single image: fixed-width content
-        - List of images: multiple segments
-        - None: skip this cycle
-    """
-    # Example: Return single wide image
-    img = Image.new('RGB', (256, 32))
-    # ... render your content ...
-    return img
-
-    # Example: Return multiple segments
-    return [image1, image2, image3]
+    # Return a PIL Image, a list of Images, or None.
+    # A single image is one block; a list becomes one item per image.
+    return [self._render_game(game) for game in self.games]
 ```
 
+If it returns `None` (the default), Vegas falls back to the plugin's
+`scroll_helper` image, then to capturing `display()` output
+(`PluginAdapter.get_content()` in
+[`src/vegas_mode/plugin_adapter.py`](../src/vegas_mode/plugin_adapter.py)).
+
 **2. Specify Content Type:**
 
 ```python
 def get_vegas_content_type(self):
-    """
-    Specify how content should be handled.
-
-    Returns:
-        str: 'multi' | 'static' | 'none'
-    """
-    return 'multi'  # Default for most plugins
+    # 'multi' | 'static' | 'none'  -- default is 'static'
+    return 'multi'
 ```
 
+`'none'` excludes the plugin from Vegas mode.
+
 **3. Optionally Specify Display Mode:**
 
-```python
-def get_vegas_display_mode(self):
-    """
-    Preferred display mode for this plugin.
+These return `VegasDisplayMode` members, not strings:
 
-    Returns:
-        str: 'scroll' | 'fixed' | 'static'
-    """
-    return 'scroll'
+```python
+from src.plugin_system.base_plugin import VegasDisplayMode
+
+def get_vegas_display_mode(self):
+    return VegasDisplayMode.SCROLL
 
 def get_supported_vegas_modes(self):
-    """
-    List of supported modes.
-
-    Returns:
-        list: ['scroll', 'fixed', 'static']
-    """
-    return ['scroll', 'static']
+    return [VegasDisplayMode.SCROLL, VegasDisplayMode.STATIC]
 ```
 
+`VegasDisplayMode` has `SCROLL` (`"scroll"`), `FIXED_SEGMENT` (`"fixed"`) and
+`STATIC` (`"static"`). The default `get_vegas_display_mode()` uses the
+plugin's `vegas_mode` config value if set, otherwise maps the content type
+(`multi` to `SCROLL`, anything else to `FIXED_SEGMENT`).
+
 ### Content Rendering Guidelines
 
 **Image Dimensions:**
@@ -276,9 +367,16 @@ Vegas mode consists of four core components working together to provide smooth 1
 5. Compose into continuous stream with separators
 
 **Key Methods:**
-- `get_stream_content()` - Returns current stream content as PIL Image
-- `advance_stream(pixels)` - Advances stream by N pixels
-- `refresh_stream()` - Regenerates stream from current plugins
+- `get_next_segment()` - Returns the next buffered `ContentSegment` (or `None`)
+- `take_next_group(count=None, offscreen_only=False)` - Hands over the next
+  slice of the rotation as `(plugin_id, images)` groups
+- `get_grouped_content_for_composition()` - Buffered images grouped by plugin
+- `mark_plugin_updated(plugin_id)` / `process_updates()` - Refresh one
+  plugin's segment in place when its data changes
+- `refresh()` - Re-read the plugin list and config
+- `advance_cycle()` - Clear the active buffer when a scroll cycle completes
+
+(`src/vegas_mode/stream_manager.py`)
 
 #### 3. PluginAdapter
 
@@ -332,10 +430,14 @@ Vegas mode consists of four core components working together to provide smooth 1
 - **Frame Rate Control:** Precise timing to maintain 125 FPS
 - **Pre-rendered Content:** Plugins pre-render during update()
 
-**Scroll Speed Calculation:**
+**Scroll Speed Calculation:** motion is by elapsed time; `target_fps` paces
+the render loop, not the speed.
 ```python
-pixels_per_frame = (scroll_speed / target_fps)
-scroll_position += pixels_per_frame * elapsed_time
+# frame_based_scrolling: false
+scroll_position += scroll_speed * elapsed_time            # scroll_speed in px/s
+# frame_based_scrolling: true (the default) -- not stepping, just a clamp
+applied = clamp(scroll_speed * scroll_delay, 0.1, 5) / scroll_delay
+scroll_position += applied * elapsed_time
 ```
 
 #### Component Interactions
@@ -451,7 +553,8 @@ time when something is active.
 
 ### REST API Reference
 
-The API is mounted at `/api/v3` (`web_interface/app.py:144`).
+The API is mounted at `/api/v3` (the `api_v3` blueprint, registered in
+`web_interface/app.py`). Full details: [REST_API_REFERENCE.md](REST_API_REFERENCE.md#display-control).
 
 #### Start On-Demand Display
 
@@ -507,24 +610,36 @@ curl http://localhost:5000/api/v3/display/on-demand/status
 
 # Response:
 {
-  "active": true,
-  "plugin_id": "weather",
-  "mode": "weather",
-  "remaining": 25.5,
-  "pinned": false,
-  "status": "active"
+  "status": "success",
+  "data": {
+    "state": {
+      "active": true,
+      "plugin_id": "weather",
+      "mode": "weather",
+      "duration": 30,
+      "pinned": false,
+      "status": "running",
+      "last_updated": 1234567890.1
+    },
+    "service": {"active": true, "returncode": 0, "stdout": "active", "stderr": ""}
+  }
 }
 ```
 
+When nothing is running on demand, `data.state` is
+`{"active": false, "status": "idle", "last_updated": null}`.
+
 > There is no public Python on-demand API. The display controller's
 > on-demand machinery is internal — drive it through the REST endpoints
-> above (or the web UI buttons), which write a request into the cache
-> manager under the `display_on_demand_request` key
-> (`web_interface/blueprints/api_v3.py:1622,1687`) that the controller
-> polls at `src/display_controller.py:921`. A separate
+> above (or the web UI buttons). The API handlers
+> (`start_on_demand_display()` / `stop_on_demand_display()` in
+> `web_interface/blueprints/api_v3/display.py`) write a request into the cache
+> manager under the `display_on_demand_request` key, which
+> `DisplayController._poll_on_demand_requests()`
+> (`src/display_controller.py`) picks up. A separate
 > `display_on_demand_config` key is used by the controller itself
-> during activation to track what's currently running (written at
-> `display_controller.py:1195`, cleared at `:1221`).
+> during activation (`_activate_on_demand()`) to track what's
+> currently running, and is cleared by `_clear_on_demand()`.
 
 ### Duration Modes
 
@@ -646,13 +761,13 @@ keys helps troubleshoot stuck states.
 **When Set:** Every display loop iteration
 **Auto-Cleared:** Never (continuously updated)
 
-**4. display_on_demand_processed_id** (TTL: 5 minutes)
-```
+**4. display_on_demand_processed_id** (TTL: 1 hour)
+```text
 "uuid-string-of-last-processed-request"
 ```
 **Purpose:** Prevents duplicate request processing
 **When Set:** After processing request
-**Auto-Cleared:** After 5 minutes TTL
+**Auto-Cleared:** After 1 hour TTL
 
 ### When Manual Clearing is Needed
 
@@ -685,9 +800,9 @@ keys helps troubleshoot stuck states.
 The cache is stored as JSON files under one of:
 
 - `/var/cache/ledmatrix/` (preferred when the service has permission)
-- `~/.cache/ledmatrix/`
+- `~/.ledmatrix_cache/`
 - `/opt/ledmatrix/cache/`
-- `/tmp/ledmatrix-cache/` (fallback)
+- `$TMPDIR/ledmatrix_cache/` (fallback)
 
 ```bash
 # Find the cache dir actually in use
@@ -711,8 +826,9 @@ cache.clear_cache('display_on_demand_request')
 cache.clear_cache('display_on_demand_processed_id')
 ```
 
-> The actual public method is `clear_cache(key=None)` — there is no
-> `delete()` method on `CacheManager`.
+> `CacheManager` also has a `delete(key)` method — a thin wrapper over
+> `clear_cache(key)` — so `cache.delete('display_on_demand_config')`
+> works equally well.
 
 ### Cache Impact on Running Service
 
@@ -730,7 +846,7 @@ The display controller automatically handles cleanup:
 - **Config key**: Cleared when on-demand stops
 - **State key**: Updated every display loop iteration
 - **Request key**: Expires after 1 hour TTL (or after processing)
-- **Processed ID**: Expires after 5 minutes TTL
+- **Processed ID**: Expires after 1 hour TTL
 
 ---
 
@@ -760,7 +876,13 @@ Cache Check → Background Fetch → Partial Data → Completion → Cache
 
 ### Configuration
 
-Enable background service per plugin in `config/config.json`:
+Core does not read a `background_service` config block: the service itself
+(`src/background_data_service.py`) is a process-wide singleton, and its
+worker count is whatever the first caller of `get_background_service()`
+passes. The sports scoreboard plugins read their own
+`background_service` settings and pass them to it, so the exact keys and
+where they sit (top level or per league) are defined by each plugin's
+`config_schema.json`. A typical block looks like:
 
 ```json
 {
@@ -781,11 +903,11 @@ Enable background service per plugin in `config/config.json`:
 
 | Setting | Default | Description |
 |---------|---------|-------------|
-| `enabled` | `false` | Enable background service for this plugin |
+| `enabled` | plugin-defined | Use the background service for this plugin's fetches |
 | `max_workers` | `3` | Max concurrent background tasks |
 | `request_timeout` | `30` | Timeout per API request (seconds) |
 | `max_retries` | `3` | Retry attempts on failure |
-| `priority` | `1` | Task priority (1=highest, 10=lowest) |
+| `priority` | `1` | Stored on each request (higher number = higher priority, per `FetchRequest`), but the service runs requests in submission order; it does not reorder by priority |
 
 ### Performance Impact
 
@@ -802,9 +924,9 @@ Enable background service per plugin in `config/config.json`:
 
 The background data service is used by all of the sports scoreboard
 plugins (football, hockey, baseball/MLB, basketball, soccer, lacrosse,
-F1, UFC), the odds ticker, and the leaderboard plugin. Each plugin's
-`background_service` block (under its own config namespace) follows the
-same shape as the example above.
+F1, UFC), the odds ticker, and the leaderboard plugin. Each plugin reads
+its own `background_service` block (under its own config namespace); check
+that plugin's `config_schema.json` for the keys it accepts.
 
 ### Error Handling & Fallback
 
@@ -821,9 +943,6 @@ same shape as the example above.
 ### Testing
 
 ```bash
-# Run background service test
-python test_background_service.py
-
 # Check logs for background operations
 sudo journalctl -u ledmatrix -f | grep "background"
 ```
@@ -832,15 +951,21 @@ sudo journalctl -u ledmatrix -f | grep "background"
 
 **View Statistics:**
 ```python
-from src.background_data_service import BackgroundDataService
+from src.background_data_service import get_background_service
+from src.cache_manager import CacheManager
 
-service = BackgroundDataService()
+service = get_background_service(CacheManager())
 stats = service.get_statistics()
-print(f"Active tasks: {stats['active_tasks']}")
-print(f"Completed: {stats['completed']}")
-print(f"Failed: {stats['failed']}")
+print(f"Active: {stats['active_requests']}")
+print(f"Completed: {stats['completed_requests']}")
+print(f"Failed: {stats['failed_requests']}")
 ```
 
+Other keys: `total_requests`, `cached_hits`, `cache_misses`,
+`average_fetch_time`, `completed_requests_count` (results currently held in
+memory) — see `BackgroundDataService.get_statistics()` in
+[`src/background_data_service.py`](../src/background_data_service.py).
+
 **Enable Debug Logging:**
 ```python
 import logging
@@ -851,6 +976,10 @@ logging.getLogger('src.background_data_service').setLevel(logging.DEBUG)
 
 ## 5. Permission Management
 
+Ownership, modes, sudo rules and the repair scripts are listed in
+[PERMISSIONS.md](PERMISSIONS.md). This section covers the helpers code uses
+to keep files shareable.
+
 ### Overview
 
 LEDMatrix uses a dual-user architecture: the display service runs as root (hardware access), while the web interface runs as a non-privileged user. Centralized permission management ensures both can access necessary files.
@@ -875,6 +1004,7 @@ from src.common.permission_utils import (
     ensure_file_permissions,
     get_config_file_mode,
     get_assets_file_mode,
+    get_assets_dir_mode,
     get_plugin_file_mode,
     get_cache_dir_mode
 )
@@ -883,7 +1013,10 @@ from src.common.permission_utils import (
 ensure_directory_permissions(Path("assets/sports"), get_assets_dir_mode())
 
 # Set file permissions after writing
-ensure_file_permissions(Path("config/config.json"), get_config_file_mode())
+# (get_config_file_mode requires the file path — secrets files get a
+# stricter mode than the main config)
+config_path = Path("config/config.json")
+ensure_file_permissions(config_path, get_config_file_mode(config_path))
 ```
 
 ### When to Use Utilities
@@ -910,7 +1043,7 @@ ensure_file_permissions(Path("config/config.json"), get_config_file_mode())
 | Config (secrets) | `rw-r-----` | `0o640` | Owner write, group read |
 | Assets | `rw-rw-r--` | `0o664` | Owner/group write, all read |
 | Plugins | `rw-rw-r--` | `0o664` | Owner/group write, all read |
-| Cache files | `rw-rw-r--` | `0o664` | Owner/group write, all read |
+| Cache files | `rw-rw----` | `0o660` | Owner/group write, no world access (`_CACHE_FILE_MODE` in `src/cache/disk_cache.py`) |
 
 **Directory Permissions:**
 
@@ -938,7 +1071,7 @@ from src.common.permission_utils import ensure_file_permissions, get_config_file
 config_path = Path("config/config.json")
 with open(config_path, 'w') as f:
     json.dump(data, f)
-ensure_file_permissions(config_path, get_config_file_mode())
+ensure_file_permissions(config_path, get_config_file_mode(config_path))
 ```
 
 **Pattern 3: Downloading Logo**
@@ -981,43 +1114,28 @@ These core utilities **already handle permissions** - you don't need to call per
 
 ### Manual Fixes
 
-If you encounter permission issues:
+[PERMISSIONS.md](PERMISSIONS.md) lists who owns what on an installed system,
+the expected modes, and which `scripts/fix_perms/` script to run as which
+user. In short:
 
-```bash
-# Fix all permissions at once
-sudo ./scripts/fix_permissions.sh
+- `fix_assets_permissions.sh`, `fix_cache_permissions.sh` and
+  `fix_plugin_permissions.sh` are run with `sudo`.
+- `fix_web_permissions.sh` is run as the web interface user, without
+  `sudo` (it refuses to run as root and calls `sudo` itself where needed).
+  It resets project file ownership for that user, then makes the two
+  helper scripts the web user may run as root (`safe_plugin_rm.sh`,
+  `safe_pip_install.sh`) root-owned again and restores `config_secrets.json`
+  to its owner, the `ledmatrix` group and mode `640`. It does not write
+  sudoers rules; `scripts/install/configure_web_sudo.sh` does that.
 
-# Fix specific directory
-sudo chown -R ledpi:ledpi /home/ledpi/LEDMatrix/config
-sudo chmod -R 2775 /home/ledpi/LEDMatrix/config
-sudo find /home/ledpi/LEDMatrix/config -type f -exec chmod 664 {} \;
-
-# Verify permissions
-ls -la config/
-ls -la assets/
-```
-
-### Verification
-
-```bash
-# Check directory has setgid bit
-ls -ld assets/
-# Should show: drwxrwsr-x (note the 's')
-
-# Check file has correct group
-ls -l assets/logo.png
-# Should show group 'ledpi'
-
-# Check file permissions
-stat -c "%a %n" config/config.json
-# Should show: 644 config/config.json
-```
+Do not `chmod` the whole `config/` directory: `config_secrets.json` must stay
+`640`.
 
 ---
 
 ## Related Documentation
 
-- [PLUGIN_DEVELOPMENT.md](PLUGIN_DEVELOPMENT.md) - Creating plugins with Vegas/on-demand support
+- [PLUGIN_DEVELOPMENT_GUIDE.md](PLUGIN_DEVELOPMENT_GUIDE.md) - Creating plugins with Vegas/on-demand support
 - [WEB_INTERFACE_GUIDE.md](WEB_INTERFACE_GUIDE.md) - Using on-demand controls in web UI
 - [PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md](PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md) - Complete API documentation
 - [DEVELOPMENT.md](DEVELOPMENT.md) - Development environment and testing

docs/ADVANCED_PLUGIN_DEVELOPMENT.md

@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ Advanced patterns, examples, and best practices for developing LEDMatrix plugins
 - [Using Weather Icons](#using-weather-icons)
 - [Implementing Scrolling with Deferred Updates](#implementing-scrolling-with-deferred-updates)
 - [Cache Strategy Patterns](#cache-strategy-patterns)
-- [Font Management and Overrides](#font-management-and-overrides)
+- [Font Management](#font-management)
 - [Error Handling Best Practices](#error-handling-best-practices)
 - [Performance Optimization](#performance-optimization)
 - [Testing Plugins with Mocks](#testing-plugins-with-mocks)
@@ -25,69 +25,12 @@ Advanced patterns, examples, and best practices for developing LEDMatrix plugins
 
 ## Using Weather Icons
 
-The Display Manager provides built-in weather icon drawing methods for easy visual representation of weather conditions.
-
-### Basic Weather Icon Usage
-
-```python
-def display(self, force_clear=False):
-    if force_clear:
-        self.display_manager.clear()
-    
-    # Draw weather icon based on condition
-    condition = self.data.get('condition', 'clear')
-    self.display_manager.draw_weather_icon(condition, x=5, y=5, size=16)
-    
-    # Draw temperature next to icon
-    temp = self.data.get('temp', 72)
-    self.display_manager.draw_text(
-        f"{temp}°F",
-        x=25, y=10,
-        color=(255, 255, 255)
-    )
-    
-    self.display_manager.update_display()
-```
-
-### Supported Weather Conditions
-
-The `draw_weather_icon()` method automatically maps condition strings to appropriate icons:
-
-- `"clear"`, `"sunny"` → Sun icon
-- `"clouds"`, `"cloudy"`, `"partly cloudy"` → Cloud icon
-- `"rain"`, `"drizzle"`, `"shower"` → Rain icon
-- `"snow"`, `"sleet"`, `"hail"` → Snow icon
-- `"thunderstorm"`, `"storm"` → Storm icon
-
-### Custom Weather Icons
-
-For more control, use individual icon methods:
-
-```python
-# Draw specific icons
-self.display_manager.draw_sun(x=10, y=10, size=16)
-self.display_manager.draw_cloud(x=10, y=10, size=16, color=(150, 150, 150))
-self.display_manager.draw_rain(x=10, y=10, size=16)
-self.display_manager.draw_snow(x=10, y=10, size=16)
-```
-
-### Text with Weather Icons
-
-Use `draw_text_with_icons()` to combine text and icons:
-
-```python
-icons = [
-    ("sun", 5, 5),      # Sun icon at (5, 5)
-    ("cloud", 100, 5)   # Cloud icon at (100, 5)
-]
-
-self.display_manager.draw_text_with_icons(
-    "Weather: Sunny, Cloudy",
-    icons=icons,
-    x=10, y=20,
-    color=(255, 255, 255)
-)
-```
+The Display Manager's icon methods — `draw_weather_icon()`, `draw_sun()`,
+`draw_cloud()`, `draw_rain()`, `draw_snow()` and `draw_text_with_icons()` —
+are deprecated, removed in 3.7.0. Draw your own icons instead: render them
+onto a PIL image and paste it onto `self.display_manager.image`, or ship
+icon images with the plugin. The weather plugin's `WeatherIcons` class is an
+example. See [Deprecated APIs](PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md#deprecated-apis).
 
 ---
 
@@ -97,31 +40,53 @@ For plugins that scroll content (tickers, news feeds, etc.), use scrolling state
 
 ### Basic Scrolling Implementation
 
+Scroll with `ScrollHelper`, configured by `src.common.scroll_config`, and
+render one frame per `display()` call. Don't pace the scroll with
+`time.sleep()`: `update_display()` blocks on the panel's
+vsync, which is what paces a scroll. Pass the `frame_hold` that
+`scroll_config.configure()` returned to `set_scrolling_state()`, or the
+scroll runs faster than the configured speed (see
+`set_scrolling_state()` in [PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md](PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md)).
+
 ```python
+from PIL import Image, ImageDraw
+
+from src.common import scroll_config
+from src.common.scroll_helper import ScrollHelper
+
+def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
+    super().__init__(*args, **kwargs)
+    self.scroll_helper = ScrollHelper(
+        self.display_manager.width, self.display_manager.height, self.logger)
+    self.scroll_settings = scroll_config.configure(
+        self.scroll_helper,
+        plugin_config=self.config,
+        global_config=self.global_config,
+        display_manager=self.display_manager,
+        plugin_logger=self.logger,
+    )
+
+def _build_scroll_image(self, text):
+    font = self.display_manager.regular_font
+    width = self.display_manager.get_text_width(text, font)
+    img = Image.new("RGB", (width, self.display_manager.height))
+    ImageDraw.Draw(img).text((0, 0), text, font=font, fill=(255, 255, 255))
+    self.scroll_helper.set_scrolling_image(img)
+
 def display(self, force_clear=False):
-    if force_clear:
-        self.display_manager.clear()
-    
-    # Mark as scrolling
-    self.display_manager.set_scrolling_state(True)
-    
-    try:
-        # Scroll content
-        text = "This is a long scrolling message that needs to scroll across the display..."
-        text_width = self.display_manager.get_text_width(text, self.display_manager.regular_font)
-        display_width = self.display_manager.width
-        
-        # Scroll from right to left
-        for x in range(display_width, -text_width, -2):
-            self.display_manager.clear()
-            self.display_manager.draw_text(text, x=x, y=16, color=(255, 255, 255))
-            self.display_manager.update_display()
-            time.sleep(0.05)
-            
-            # Update scroll activity timestamp
-            self.display_manager.set_scrolling_state(True)
-    finally:
-        # Always mark as not scrolling when done
+    if force_clear or self.scroll_helper.cached_image is None:
+        self._build_scroll_image(
+            "This is a long scrolling message that needs to scroll across the display...")
+
+    # Mark as scrolling (calling it every frame is fine)
+    self.display_manager.set_scrolling_state(
+        True, frame_hold=self.scroll_settings.frame_hold)
+    self.scroll_helper.update_scroll_position()
+    self.display_manager.image = self.scroll_helper.get_visible_portion()
+    self.display_manager.update_display()
+
+    if self.scroll_helper.is_scroll_complete():
+        # Mark as not scrolling when done
         self.display_manager.set_scrolling_state(False)
 ```
 
@@ -229,11 +194,8 @@ def update(self):
     sport_key = "nhl"
     cache_key = f"{self.plugin_id}_{sport_key}_games"
     
-    # Uses sport-specific live_update_interval from config
-    cached = self.cache_manager.get_background_cached_data(
-        cache_key,
-        sport_key=sport_key
-    )
+    # get_background_cached_data() is deprecated, removed in 3.7.0 — use get()
+    cached = self.cache_manager.get(cache_key, max_age=60)
     
     if cached:
         self.games = cached
@@ -260,9 +222,9 @@ def on_config_change(self, new_config):
 
 ---
 
-## Font Management and Overrides
+## Font Management
 
-Use the Font Manager for advanced font handling and user customization.
+The display manager's built-in fonts and text measurement. For fonts shipped with a plugin, see [FONT_MANAGER.md](FONT_MANAGER.md).
 
 ### Using Different Fonts
 
@@ -634,14 +596,12 @@ def update(self):
 
 ```python
 def update(self):
-    # Check if another plugin is enabled
-    enabled_plugins = self.plugin_manager.get_enabled_plugins()
-    if "weather" in enabled_plugins:
-        # Weather plugin is available
-        weather_plugin = self.plugin_manager.get_plugin("weather")
-        if weather_plugin:
-            # Use weather data
-            pass
+    # get_enabled_plugins() is deprecated, removed in 3.7.0 — check the
+    # instance's `enabled` flag instead
+    weather_plugin = self.plugin_manager.get_plugin("weather")
+    if weather_plugin is not None and weather_plugin.enabled:
+        # Use weather data
+        pass
 ```
 
 ### Sharing Data Between Plugins

docs/ARCHITECTURE.md

@@ -0,0 +1,226 @@
+# Architecture
+
+A map of the codebase for a new contributor: which process does what, how
+they talk to each other, and where to start reading for common changes.
+
+## Processes
+
+| systemd unit | Runs as | Runs | Installed by |
+|---|---|---|---|
+| `ledmatrix.service` | root | [`run.py`](../run.py) → `DisplayController` | [`install_service.sh`](../scripts/install/install_service.sh) |
+| `ledmatrix-web.service` | the installing user | [`start_web_conditionally.py`](../scripts/utils/start_web_conditionally.py) → [`web_interface/start.py`](../web_interface/start.py) (Flask, port 5000) | `install_service.sh`, [`install_web_service.sh`](../scripts/install/install_web_service.sh) |
+| `ledmatrix-update-verify.path` / `.service` | the web user | Health check after an automatic update | the same installers, or [`src/auto_update_setup.py`](../src/auto_update_setup.py) at runtime |
+| `ledmatrix-wifi-monitor.service` | root | [`wifi_monitor_daemon.py`](../scripts/utils/wifi_monitor_daemon.py) | [`install_wifi_monitor.sh`](../scripts/install/install_wifi_monitor.sh) |
+| `ledmatrix-mqtt-bridge.service` | root | [MQTT bridge](../integrations/mqtt_bridge/README.md) (optional) | [`install_mqtt_bridge.sh`](../scripts/install/install_mqtt_bridge.sh) |
+| `ledmatrix-dns-fix.service` | root | DNS workaround (optional) | [`install_dns_fix.sh`](../scripts/install/install_dns_fix.sh) |
+
+Unit templates are in [`systemd/`](../systemd/README.md). The display runs as
+root because the LED matrix library needs direct GPIO access. The web
+interface runs unprivileged and uses a fixed list of `sudo` rules for the
+few privileged things it does; see [PERMISSIONS.md](PERMISSIONS.md).
+
+`start_web_conditionally.py` exits without starting Flask when
+`web_display_autostart` is explicitly false in `config.json`.
+
+## How the two main processes share state
+
+The display and the web interface are separate processes that never call
+each other. They share three things:
+
+1. **`config/config.json` and `config/config_secrets.json`.** The web
+   interface writes them through `ConfigManager`
+   ([`src/config_manager.py`](../src/config_manager.py)); the display
+   notices through `ConfigService` (below).
+2. **The disk cache**, `/var/cache/ledmatrix` (owned `root:ledmatrix`,
+   setgid, files `0660`), read and written through `CacheManager`
+   ([`src/cache_manager.py`](../src/cache_manager.py),
+   [`src/cache/disk_cache.py`](../src/cache/disk_cache.py)). Readers in the
+   other process pass `memory_ttl=0` so they do not serve a stale in-memory
+   copy.
+3. **A few files in `/tmp`.**
+
+| State | Where | Written by | Read by |
+|---|---|---|---|
+| On-demand request | cache `display_on_demand_request` | web: `start_on_demand_display()` / `stop_on_demand_display()` in [`api_v3/display.py`](../web_interface/blueprints/api_v3/display.py) | display: `_poll_on_demand_requests()` |
+| On-demand state | cache `display_on_demand_state` | display: `_publish_on_demand_state()` | web: `/api/v3/display/on-demand/status` |
+| Current screen | cache `display_current_state` | display | web: `/api/v3/display/current-status` |
+| Plugin errors | cache `plugin_error_snapshot` | display: `ErrorSnapshotPublisher` ([`src/error_aggregator.py`](../src/error_aggregator.py)) | web: `read_error_report()` for `/api/v3/errors/*` |
+| Error clear | cache `plugin_error_clear_request` | web | display |
+| Font usage | cache `font_usage_snapshot` | display: `FontUsagePublisher` ([`src/font_usage.py`](../src/font_usage.py)) | web: Fonts tab |
+| Plugin health | cache `plugin_health:<id>` | display (web writes on reset) | web: `/api/v3/plugins/health` |
+| Preview frame | `/tmp/led_matrix_preview.png` | display: `DisplayManager`, gated by [`snapshot_policy`](../src/common/snapshot_policy.py) | web: display SSE stream, `/api/v3/health` (file age) |
+| Preview viewer marker | `/tmp/led_matrix_preview_viewer` | web, while a preview is open | display: writes full-rate snapshots only while it is fresh |
+| Hardware init status | `/tmp/led_matrix_hw_status.json` | display | web: `/api/v3/hardware/status` |
+
+The on-demand start route starts `ledmatrix.service` when it is not running
+(`start_service`, on by default) but never restarts a running one: the display
+reads the mailbox every `ON_DEMAND_POLL_INTERVAL` (0.25s), from its dwell
+sleep, its render loops and Vegas's interrupt check as well as the main loop.
+
+## Display loop
+
+[`src/display_controller.py`](../src/display_controller.py), class
+`DisplayController`. `__init__` loads config, starts the cache and the
+error-snapshot publisher, runs the startup validator, creates the
+`DisplayManager` ([`src/display_manager.py`](../src/display_manager.py)),
+`FontManager` and `PluginManager`, loads the enabled plugins in parallel,
+runs an initial `update()` pass within a 20-second budget
+(`_INITIAL_UPDATE_BUDGET_SECONDS`; a plugin that misses it is deferred to
+the scheduler), and sets up Vegas mode.
+
+`run()` is the main loop. Each pass, in order: apply a pending plugin
+enable/disable, poll on-demand requests, run scheduled plugin updates, check
+the on/off schedule and brightness, then show one screen. Priority is
+on-demand, then WiFi status messages, then live priority, then Vegas mode,
+then normal rotation.
+
+- **Rotation.** `available_modes` is the ordered list of display modes;
+  `current_mode_index` advances after each screen.
+  `_apply_plugin_rotation_order()` applies `display.plugin_rotation_order`.
+- **Durations.** `_get_display_duration()`: `display.display_durations[mode]`,
+  else the plugin's `get_display_duration()`, else 30 s. Plugins that
+  support dynamic duration run until `is_cycle_complete()`, capped by
+  `display.dynamic_duration.max_duration_seconds` (default 180 s).
+- **On-demand.** A request from the web interface pins one plugin (or mode)
+  for a duration. `_activate_on_demand()` / `_clear_on_demand()`; the
+  session is saved under `display_on_demand_config` so it survives a
+  restart. It also keeps the display on during scheduled off hours. A
+  request for a plugin that is disabled in config loads it live
+  (`_load_plugin_for_on_demand()`, `load_plugin(force_enabled=True)`)
+  without writing `config.json`; the main loop unloads it once on-demand
+  moves off it (`_release_on_demand_plugins()`).
+- **Live priority.** `_check_live_priority()` looks for a plugin whose
+  `has_live_priority()` and `has_live_content()` are both true and switches
+  to it, rotating between several live games.
+- **Schedule and dim schedule.** `_check_schedule()` reads `schedule`;
+  `_check_dim_schedule()` reads `dim_schedule` and
+  `display.hardware.brightness`. Both are re-evaluated once a minute.
+- **Long screens.** While a screen is showing (a dwell, a scroll, a Vegas
+  iteration), `_service_pending_changes()` repeats the on-demand, schedule
+  and brightness checks every 0.25 s, so a change does not wait for the
+  screen to end.
+- **Config hot reload.** `ConfigService`
+  ([`src/config_service.py`](../src/config_service.py)) polls the config and
+  secrets files' mtimes every 2 s and notifies subscribers when the content
+  changes. The controller refreshes its cached settings; enabling or
+  disabling a plugin queues `_reconcile_enabled_plugins()`, which loads or
+  unloads it on the display thread; each plugin gets `on_config_change()`
+  for its own section. Set `LEDMATRIX_HOT_RELOAD=false` to turn this off.
+  Matrix hardware settings are only read at start-up.
+- **Vegas mode.** [`src/vegas_mode/`](../src/vegas_mode/): the display loop
+  calls `VegasModeCoordinator.run_iteration()`
+  ([`coordinator.py`](../src/vegas_mode/coordinator.py)) when
+  `display.vegas_scroll.enabled` is set. `PluginAdapter` gets each plugin's
+  content (`get_vegas_content()`, else its `scroll_helper` image, else a
+  capture of `display()`), `StreamManager` orders it and `RenderPipeline`
+  scrolls it. See [ADVANCED_FEATURES.md](ADVANCED_FEATURES.md).
+- **Multi-display sync.** `DisplaySyncManager`
+  ([`src/common/sync_manager.py`](../src/common/sync_manager.py)), enabled by
+  `sync.role`: a leader sends a follower its share of each frame over UDP
+  (port 5765).
+
+## Plugin system
+
+[`src/plugin_system/`](../src/plugin_system/):
+
+| Area | Where |
+|---|---|
+| Base class plugins implement | [`base_plugin.py`](../src/plugin_system/base_plugin.py) (`BasePlugin`, `VegasDisplayMode`) |
+| Finding a plugin's directory | [`plugin_dirs.py`](../src/plugin_system/plugin_dirs.py): manifest `id` first, then directory `<id>` or `ledmatrix-<id>` |
+| Discovery, load, unload, scheduled updates | [`plugin_manager.py`](../src/plugin_system/plugin_manager.py) (`PluginManager`) |
+| Import and instantiate | [`plugin_loader.py`](../src/plugin_system/plugin_loader.py) (`PluginLoader.load_plugin()`: dependencies, module, class) |
+| Timeouts | [`plugin_executor.py`](../src/plugin_system/plugin_executor.py) (`PluginExecutor`, 30 s default; a timed-out thread is abandoned, not killed) |
+| Circuit breaker | [`plugin_health.py`](../src/plugin_system/plugin_health.py) (`PluginHealthTracker`: 3 consecutive failures open the circuit for 300 s) |
+| Resource metrics | [`resource_monitor.py`](../src/plugin_system/resource_monitor.py) |
+| Config schemas and defaults | [`schema_manager.py`](../src/plugin_system/schema_manager.py) |
+| Install, update, uninstall | [`store_manager.py`](../src/plugin_system/store_manager.py) (`PluginStoreManager`), with its methods split across [`store_registry.py`](../src/plugin_system/store_registry.py) (registry, GitHub), [`store_install.py`](../src/plugin_system/store_install.py) and [`store_update.py`](../src/plugin_system/store_update.py) |
+| Core-version gate | [`compatibility.py`](../src/plugin_system/compatibility.py) |
+
+Discovery scans only `plugin_system.plugins_directory` (default
+`plugin-repos/`). Scheduled `update()` calls run on one background worker
+thread; a per-plugin lock keeps `display()` from running during an update.
+
+**Store flow.** `install_plugin()` renames any existing copy aside
+(`<id>.standalone-backup-preinstall`), installs the new one, and puts the old
+copy back if the install fails. Monorepo plugins come from the GitHub Trees
+API, falling back to the repository ZIP; other plugins by `git clone` or
+download. The manifest is checked (see
+[required fields](PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md#manifest-required-fields)), the core
+version gate runs, then dependencies are installed as root through
+`scripts/fix_perms/safe_pip_install.sh`. `update_plugin()` pulls git
+installs, undoing a pull whose new version is incompatible, and reinstalls
+everything else through `_reinstall_with_rollback()`.
+
+## Web interface
+
+- **App.** [`web_interface/app.py`](../web_interface/app.py) builds the
+  Flask `app` at import time, creates the managers, and registers two
+  blueprints. `web_interface/start.py` runs it on port 5000.
+- **Pages.** [`blueprints/pages_v3.py`](../web_interface/blueprints/pages_v3.py)
+  serves the shell `templates/v3/base.html` at `/` and each tab as a
+  partial at `/partials/<name>` (templates in
+  `web_interface/templates/v3/partials/`). Plugin configuration tabs are
+  rendered from the plugin's schema by `plugin_config.html`.
+- **API.** [`blueprints/api_v3/`](../web_interface/blueprints/api_v3/) is one
+  blueprint at `/api/v3`, split by area: `backup.py`, `config.py`,
+  `display.py`, `fonts.py`, `misc.py` (health, logs, errors, cache, sync),
+  `starlark.py`, `system.py` (service actions, updates, git), `wifi.py`, and
+  the plugin routes: `plugins.py` (installed list, enable/disable, plugin
+  actions), `plugin_store.py` (install, update, uninstall, store),
+  `plugin_config.py` (config, schema, reset), `plugin_assets.py` (uploads,
+  plugin static files), `plugin_health.py` (health, metrics, limits),
+  `plugin_operations.py` (operation history, state reconciliation) and
+  `plugin_calendar.py`. `__init__.py` defines the blueprint and shared helpers and
+  imports the modules so their routes register. Endpoints are listed in
+  [REST_API_REFERENCE.md](REST_API_REFERENCE.md).
+- **Front end.** HTMX loads each tab's partial on first open
+  (`hx-trigger="loadtab"`); Alpine.js holds page state. Scripts are in
+  `web_interface/static/v3/js/`; form widgets are bundled from
+  [`js/widgets/`](../web_interface/static/v3/js/widgets/README.md).
+- **Server-sent events** (`app.py`): `/api/v3/stream/stats` (CPU, memory,
+  temperature, service state, every 10 s), `/api/v3/stream/display` (preview
+  frames when the PNG changes) and `/api/v3/stream/logs` (journal of both
+  services). One generator thread per stream is shared by all clients.
+
+## Updates
+
+- **Update Code** on the Overview tab and the automatic updater both call
+  `perform_core_update()` in
+  [`api_v3/system.py`](../web_interface/blueprints/api_v3/system.py):
+  `git pull --rebase`, reinstall changed requirement files, report whether a
+  restart is needed.
+- **Automatic updates** (`auto_update.enabled`, off by default):
+  `AutoUpdater` in [`web_interface/auto_update.py`](../web_interface/auto_update.py)
+  runs in the web process, checks every 30 minutes, and updates at most
+  weekly between 02:00 and 05:00. Before pulling it copies
+  [`scripts/utils/auto_update_verify.py`](../scripts/utils/auto_update_verify.py)
+  to `data/auto_update_verifier.py`, then writes
+  `data/auto_update_verify.request`. That file triggers
+  `ledmatrix-update-verify.path`, which runs the verifier as a separate unit
+  (so restarting the web service does not kill it). The verifier restarts
+  both services, waits for the web API to answer and the display service to
+  stay up, and on failure resets to the previous commit and restarts again.
+  Plugin updates run only after a verified core update. State is in
+  `data/auto_update_state.json` and `data/auto_update_pending.json`.
+- **Startup validator.** `StartupValidator`
+  ([`src/startup_validator.py`](../src/startup_validator.py)) runs twice in
+  `DisplayController.__init__`: config and cache directory first, then
+  enabled plugins once the plugin manager exists. It also warns when an
+  installed systemd unit differs from its template in `systemd/`. Results
+  are logged; startup continues either way.
+
+## Where to start reading
+
+| Task | Start with |
+|---|---|
+| Change rotation, durations or priorities | `DisplayController.run()` and `_get_display_duration()` in [`display_controller.py`](../src/display_controller.py) |
+| Add a config key | [CONFIG_REFERENCE.md](CONFIG_REFERENCE.md), [`config/config.template.json`](../config/config.template.json), the tab's partial and `api_v3/config.py` |
+| Change drawing or fonts | [`display_manager.py`](../src/display_manager.py), [`font_manager.py`](../src/font_manager.py), [`src/common/bdf_font.py`](../src/common/bdf_font.py) |
+| Add a plugin-facing API | [`base_plugin.py`](../src/plugin_system/base_plugin.py) or [`src/common/`](../src/common/README.md); document it in [PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md](PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md) |
+| Plugin install/update bugs | `PluginStoreManager` in [`store_manager.py`](../src/plugin_system/store_manager.py) |
+| A plugin that won't load | `PluginManager.load_plugin()` and `PluginLoader.load_plugin()`; `python3 scripts/check_plugin.py --plugin <id>` |
+| Add an API endpoint | the matching module in [`api_v3/`](../web_interface/blueprints/api_v3/) |
+| Add a web UI tab or control | `templates/v3/base.html`, the tab's partial, `pages_v3.py` |
+| Vegas scroll | [`src/vegas_mode/coordinator.py`](../src/vegas_mode/coordinator.py) |
+| Installer or permissions | [`first_time_install.sh`](../first_time_install.sh), [`scripts/install/`](../scripts/install/), [PERMISSIONS.md](PERMISSIONS.md) |
+| Work without a Pi | [DEV_PREVIEW.md](DEV_PREVIEW.md), [EMULATOR_SETUP_GUIDE.md](EMULATOR_SETUP_GUIDE.md), [HOW_TO_RUN_TESTS.md](HOW_TO_RUN_TESTS.md) |

docs/CONFIG_DEBUGGING.md

@@ -172,10 +172,14 @@ ERROR - Plugin football-scoreboard configuration validation failed: 'api_key' is
 
 ### Enable Debug Logging
 
-Set environment variable:
+Run the display in the foreground with `-d`, or set `LEDMATRIX_DEBUG=true`
+(the value must be `true`; `1` is ignored — see `setup_logging()` in
+[`src/logging_config.py`](../src/logging_config.py)):
 ```bash
-export LEDMATRIX_DEBUG=1
-python run.py
+sudo systemctl stop ledmatrix.service
+sudo python3 run.py -d
+# or
+sudo LEDMATRIX_DEBUG=true python3 run.py
 ```
 
 ### Check Merged Configuration
@@ -250,14 +254,21 @@ WARNING - Plugin ID 'Football-Scoreboard' may conflict with 'football-scoreboard
 
 ## Checking Configuration via API
 
-The API blueprint mounts at `/api/v3` (`web_interface/app.py:144`).
+The API blueprint (`web_interface/blueprints/api_v3/`) is registered at
+`/api/v3` in `web_interface/app.py`.
 
 ```bash
-# Get full main config (includes all plugin sections)
+# Get full main config (includes all plugin sections; credential-named
+# fields are blanked in the response)
 curl http://localhost:5000/api/v3/config/main
 
-# Save updated main config
+# Change some settings: only the keys you send are changed
 curl -X POST http://localhost:5000/api/v3/config/main \
+  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
+  -d '{"timezone": "America/Chicago", "brightness": 80}'
+
+# Replace config.json wholesale (advanced)
+curl -X POST http://localhost:5000/api/v3/config/raw/main \
   -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
   -d @new-config.json
 
@@ -269,8 +280,10 @@ curl "http://localhost:5000/api/v3/plugins/config?plugin_id=football-scoreboard"
 ```
 
 > There is no dedicated `/config/plugin/<id>` or `/config/validate`
-> endpoint — config validation runs server-side automatically when you
-> POST to `/config/main` or `/plugins/config`. See
+> endpoint. `POST /plugins/config` validates against the plugin's schema
+> and rejects an invalid config with `400`; `POST /config/main` checks the
+> individual fields it knows (display hardware values, durations, Vegas
+> and sync settings). See
 > [REST_API_REFERENCE.md](REST_API_REFERENCE.md) for the full list.
 
 ## Backup and Recovery
@@ -283,9 +296,12 @@ cp config/config.json config/config.backup.json
 
 ### Automatic Backups
 
-LEDMatrix creates backups before saves:
+LEDMatrix creates backups before saves (`src/config_manager_atomic.py`):
 - Location: `config/backups/`
-- Format: `config_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS.json`
+- Format: `config.json.backup.YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS_ffffff` (microseconds last),
+  plus a matching `config_secrets.json.backup.<timestamp>` when a secrets
+  file exists
+- The five most recent are kept
 
 ### Recovery
 
@@ -294,7 +310,7 @@ LEDMatrix creates backups before saves:
 ls -la config/backups/
 
 # Restore from backup
-cp config/backups/config_20240115_120000.json config/config.json
+cp config/backups/config.json.backup.20240115_120000_000000 config/config.json
 ```
 
 ## Troubleshooting Checklist
@@ -309,8 +325,10 @@ cp config/backups/config_20240115_120000.json config/config.json
 
 ## Getting Help
 
-1. Check logs: `tail -f logs/ledmatrix.log`
-2. Enable debug: `LEDMATRIX_DEBUG=1`
+1. Check logs. Both services log to journald, not to a file:
+   `sudo journalctl -u ledmatrix.service -f` (display) and
+   `sudo journalctl -u ledmatrix-web.service -f` (web interface)
+2. Enable debug: `LEDMATRIX_DEBUG=true` or `python3 run.py -d`
 3. Check error dashboard: `/api/v3/errors/summary`
 4. Validate JSON: https://jsonlint.com/
 5. File an issue: https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/LEDMatrix/issues

docs/CONFIG_REFERENCE.md

@@ -0,0 +1,184 @@
+# Configuration Reference
+
+Every key in `config/config.json`, what it does, its default, and where the
+code reads it. The file is created from `config/config.template.json` on
+first run, and `ConfigManager._migrate_config()` merges any template keys
+added by later releases into your existing config (your values are never
+overwritten). Secrets live in `config/config_secrets.json` and are merged
+into the config at load time.
+
+Most settings are editable from the web interface; this page documents the
+underlying keys for people editing `config.json` directly or writing
+tooling against it.
+
+## Top level
+
+| Key | Type / default | Meaning | Read by |
+|---|---|---|---|
+| `web_display_autostart` | bool, `true` | Whether the web interface service starts with the system | `scripts/utils/start_web_conditionally.py` |
+| `auto_update.enabled` | bool, `false` | Weekly automatic updates: LEDMatrix code first (health-checked, rolled back on failure), then installed plugins. Toggle in the General tab or install with `first_time_install.sh --enable-auto-update` | `web_interface/auto_update.py`, `src/auto_update_setup.py` (`is_enabled()`) |
+| `timezone` | string, `"America/New_York"` | IANA timezone for schedules and displays | `ConfigManager.get_timezone()` |
+| `target_fps` | int, `100` | Legacy "Scroll Frame Rate". Core scrolling no longer reads it: scroll frames are presented at `display.hardware.limit_refresh_rate_hz` divided by each scroll's frame hold, and speed comes from each plugin's scroll settings. Still exposed to plugins via `BasePlugin.global_config` | `src/plugin_system/base_plugin.py` |
+| `location` | object | `city` / `state` / `country`. Supplies the **default** for a plugin's own `location_city` / `location_state` / `location_country` setting, so weather, radar and friends follow this device without being configured twice. A value saved on the plugin itself still overrides it. Starlark (Tidbyt) apps get the same treatment: a `Location` field left blank on the app renders at this city (geocoded once via Open-Meteo, coordinates cached permanently) instead of the app author's default, which is usually San Francisco. If the city can't be looked up (no match, or the geocoder is unreachable; retried after 30 minutes), the app keeps its own default. | `SchemaManager.apply_device_location()`, then plugins via merged config; `src/device_location.py` for Starlark apps |
+
+## `schedule` — display on/off hours
+
+| Key | Type / default | Meaning |
+|---|---|---|
+| `enabled` | bool, `false` | Master switch for scheduled display on/off |
+| `mode` | `"global"` or `"per-day"`, template uses `"per-day"` | Whether one time range applies to all days or each day has its own |
+| `start_time` / `end_time` | `"HH:MM"`, `07:00`–`23:00` | Global-mode on/off times |
+| `days.<weekday>.{enabled,start_time,end_time}` | per-day objects | Per-day-mode overrides |
+
+Read by `DisplayController._check_schedule()` (`src/display_controller.py`).
+Managed in the web UI under Schedule.
+
+## `dim_schedule` — scheduled brightness dimming
+
+Same shape as `schedule` (the template sets its `mode` to `"global"`), plus:
+
+| Key | Type / default | Meaning |
+|---|---|---|
+| `dim_brightness` | int, `30` | Brightness percentage applied while the dim window is active |
+
+Read by `DisplayController._check_dim_schedule()` (`src/display_controller.py`;
+saved via `POST /api/v3/config/dim-schedule`). The display returns to
+`display.hardware.brightness` outside the window.
+
+## `display.hardware` — matrix panel hardware
+
+All keys map to the corresponding `rpi-rgb-led-matrix` options and are read
+in `DisplayManager._setup_matrix` (`src/display_manager.py`). Defaults are the
+`config/config.template.json` values: `ConfigManager` adds any key missing from
+`config.json` from the template on load, so `DisplayManager`'s own fallbacks
+don't apply on a normal install.
+
+The ranges are what the pinned rgbmatrix library and its Python binding accept
+(`src/matrix_support.py`). The config API refuses anything else; a value
+hand-edited into `config.json` makes the display log the setting and run in
+fallback mode instead of starting the matrix.
+
+| Key | Type / default |
+|---|---|
+| `rows` / `cols` | int, `32` / `64` — rows: even, 8–64; cols: at least 16 |
+| `chain_length` | int, `2` — 1–255 (the Python binding stores it in one byte) |
+| `parallel` | int, `1` — 1–3, and no more than `hardware_mapping` has outputs (`regular`, `classic`: 3; the others: 1) |
+| `brightness` | int, `90` — 1–100 |
+| `hardware_mapping` | string, `"adafruit-hat"` — `"adafruit-hat-pwm"`, `"adafruit-hat"`, `"regular"`, `"regular-pi1"`, `"classic"` or `"classic-pi1"` (case-insensitive; `compute-module` isn't in the installed build). A Pi 5 doesn't support `"classic-pi1"` |
+| `scan_mode` | int, `0` — `0` progressive, `1` interlaced |
+| `pwm_bits` | int, `9` — 1–11 |
+| `pwm_dither_bits` | int, `1` — 0–2 |
+| `pwm_lsb_nanoseconds` | int, `130` — 50–3000 |
+| `disable_hardware_pulsing` | bool, `false` — `true` times brightness pulses in software (less exact); hardware pulsing needs the OE line on GPIO 18 and the Pi's onboard sound driver off |
+| `inverse_colors` | bool, `false` |
+| `show_refresh_rate` | bool, `false` — prints the refresh rate to stdout; draws nothing on the panel |
+| `led_rgb_sequence` | string, `"RGB"` — `"RGB"`, `"RBG"`, `"GRB"`, `"GBR"`, `"BRG"` or `"BGR"` |
+| `limit_refresh_rate_hz` | int, `100` — `0` = no cap; scroll timing assumes 100 Hz when `0` |
+| `pixel_mapper_config` | string, `""` — e.g. `"U-mapper"` / `"Rotate:90"`; mappers that rotate or fold the chain change the display size plugins and the web preview see |
+| `orientation` | string, `"normal"` — `"180"` rotates the rendered image 180° for panels physically mounted upside down (e.g. to move the Pi/wiring to a more convenient side); `"90"` / `"270"` for a panel on its side, swapping width and height; composed onto `pixel_mapper_config` as a trailing `Rotate:<degrees>` mapper, so it stays independent of any custom `pixel_mapper_config` value |
+| `row_address_type` | int, `0` — non-standard panel row addressing: `1` AB, `2` direct row select, `3` ABC, `4` ABC shift + DE direct, `5` SM5368 / B707 row shift register (e.g. Waveshare 96x48 V2, with `led_rgb_sequence` `"BGR"`). On a Pi 5 the library supports only `0` and `2`, and LEDMatrix enforces that (`src/pi5_matrix_support.py`) |
+| `multiplexing` | int, `0` — 0–22, pixel wiring scheme for outdoor/specialty panels (names listed in the README) |
+| `panel_type` | string, `""` — set to `"FM6126A"` or `"FM6127"` for panels needing init; FM6124 / FM6124D / FM6124DJ panels need none, so leave it `""` |
+
+## `display.runtime`
+
+| Key | Type / default | Meaning |
+|---|---|---|
+| `gpio_slowdown` | int, `3` | GPIO timing slowdown for faster Pis (0–10). On a Pi 5 in PIO mode start at `1` (`0` acts as `1`) and raise it if the image flickers or shows garbage. Panels on `row_address_type` `5` (SM5368 row drivers) can need 6–8 on a Pi 4 — lower values make rows jump |
+| `rp1_rio` | int, `0` | Pi 5 only: `0` = PIO (less CPU), `1` = RIO (higher refresh; `gpio_slowdown` effect inverted). Applied only if the installed matrix library supports it |
+
+## `display.double_sided`
+
+Drives `_LogicalMatrix` in `src/display_manager.py` — renders the same
+logical image to multiple chained physical panels.
+
+| Key | Type / default | Meaning |
+|---|---|---|
+| `enabled` | bool, `false` | Mirror output across panel copies |
+| `copies` | int, `2` | Number of physical copies in the chain |
+| `axis` | `"horizontal"`, default | Axis along which panels are chained |
+
+## `display` — other keys
+
+| Key | Type / default | Meaning | Read by |
+|---|---|---|---|
+| `display_durations` | object, `{}` | Per-plugin display duration in seconds, keyed by plugin id (e.g. `"clock": 15`) | `DisplayController._get_display_duration()` (`src/display_controller.py`) |
+| `plugin_rotation_order` | array, `[]` | Explicit rotation order of plugin ids; empty = all enabled plugins in discovery order | `DisplayController._apply_plugin_rotation_order()` (`src/display_controller.py`) |
+| `use_short_date_format` | bool, `true` | Compact date rendering in sports scoreboards | Nothing since `src/base_classes` was removed; scoreboards read `display.use_short_date_format` from their own plugin config |
+| `scan_order_compensation` | string, `"auto"` | `"auto"` shows one half of each panel a refresh behind while something scrolls at one frame per refresh, which removes the 1px step a 1:N-scan panel shows across its middle; `"off"` disables it. Applies only to layouts whose row order is known: plain or parallel chains, 0 or 180 degree orientation, `multiplexing` 0, `scan_mode` 0, and not in the emulator | `DisplayManager._setup_scan_order_compensation()` (`src/display_manager.py`, `src/scan_order.py`) |
+| `dynamic_duration.max_duration_seconds` | int, optional | Cap for plugins that request dynamic display time | `DisplayController._get_global_dynamic_cap()` (`src/display_controller.py`) |
+
+## `display.vegas_scroll` — continuous scroll mode
+
+Read by `src/vegas_mode/config.py` (`VegasScrollConfig.from_config`). See
+[ADVANCED_FEATURES.md](ADVANCED_FEATURES.md) for behavior details, including
+[live content in the ticker](ADVANCED_FEATURES.md#live-content-in-the-ticker).
+
+| Key | Type / default |
+|---|---|
+| `enabled` | bool, `false` |
+| `scroll_speed` | int, `50` (px/s) |
+| `separator_width` | int, `32` |
+| `plugin_order` | array, `[]` |
+| `excluded_plugins` | array, `[]` |
+| `target_fps` | int, `125` |
+| `buffer_ahead` | int, `2` |
+| `intra_plugin_gap` | int, `8` |
+| `render_width_pct` | int, `100` |
+| `min_content_separation` | int, `24` |
+| `min_cut_gap` | int, `6` |
+| `continuous_scroll` | bool, `true` |
+| `offscreen_prefetch` | bool, `true` — render every plugin's ticker content on the background thread, each on its own canvas. `false` restores handing canvas-bound plugins to the render thread, one pause at a time. Temporary; see [OFFSCREEN_RENDERING.md](OFFSCREEN_RENDERING.md) |
+| `prefetch_gate` | bool, `true` — let that background thread run Python only while the render thread is waiting for the panel, so the render thread never waits for the GIL when a refresh comes round. Only takes effect with the rebuilt rgbmatrix binding (`scripts/build_rgbmatrix_nogil.sh`). See [OFFSCREEN_RENDERING.md](OFFSCREEN_RENDERING.md) |
+| `switch_interval_ms` | float, `0` — experimental: shorten Python's GIL switch interval to this many ms while Vegas runs. `0` leaves the default (5 ms) alone |
+| `smooth_scroll` | bool, `true` — move a whole number of pixels per panel refresh, locked to vsync. `scroll_speed` is snapped to the nearest speed the panel can show that way (at 95Hz: 95, 47.5, 31.7 px/s…), measured against the panel's real refresh rate once scrolling starts |
+| `sub_pixel_blend` | bool, `false` — the older smoothing: advance by elapsed time and blend neighbouring pixel columns. Looks anti-aliased in the web preview but shimmers on the panel and is not locked to the refresh. Overrides `smooth_scroll` when on |
+| `extend_threshold_screens` | float, `2.0` |
+| `auto_trim` | bool, `true` |
+| `trim_threshold` | int, `10` |
+| `content_padding` | int, `8` |
+| `min_plugin_width` | int, `8` |
+| `lead_in_width` | int, `0` |
+| `plugins_per_cycle` | int, `6` |
+| `max_plugin_width_ratio` | float, `0.0` |
+| `overflow_mode` | string, `"rotate"` |
+| `dynamic_duration_enabled` | bool, `true` |
+| `min_cycle_duration` | int, `60` |
+| `max_cycle_duration` | int, `240` |
+| `frame_based_scrolling` | bool, `true` — does not step or set a frame rate; motion is by elapsed time either way. When `true`, `scroll_speed` passes through a clamp of 0.1–5 px per `scroll_delay` (see next row) |
+| `scroll_delay` | float, `0.02` — not a frame period. Only used with `frame_based_scrolling`: the applied speed is `clamp(scroll_speed × scroll_delay, 0.1, 5) / scroll_delay` px/s, so at `0.02` speeds under 5 px/s run at 5, and at `0.001` nothing runs slower than 100 px/s |
+| `live_in_ticker` | bool, `false` — keep scrolling during live games instead of handing the display to a full-screen scoreboard |
+| `live_weight` | int, `3` (1–10) — slots per cycle for a plugin with live content |
+| `favorite_live_weight` | int, `5` (1–10) — slots per cycle when a plugin reports a favorite team is live |
+
+## `sync` — multi-display synchronization
+
+Read by `src/common/sync_manager.py` and `src/display_controller.py`.
+
+| Key | Type / default | Meaning |
+|---|---|---|
+| `role` | `"standalone"` (default), `"leader"`, or `"follower"` | This device's role in a synced pair |
+| `port` | int, `5765` | TCP port used for sync traffic |
+| `follower_position` | `"left"` (default) or `"right"` | Which half of the combined image this follower renders (`src/display_controller.py`) |
+
+## `plugin_system`
+
+| Key | Type / default | Meaning |
+|---|---|---|
+| `plugins_directory` | string, `"plugin-repos"` | Where the Plugin Store installs plugins and the only directory the plugin loader scans. Read by `PluginManager` and `PluginStoreManager` (`src/plugin_system/`); editable under General settings |
+| `auto_discover`, `auto_load_enabled`, `development_mode` | bool | **Unused.** Legacy keys, read by nothing and no longer in the template; older configs may still carry them. Plugins are always discovered, and every plugin with `enabled: true` is loaded — to keep a plugin installed but dormant, set its own `enabled` to `false`. Not shown in the web UI; may be left in or removed from config.json |
+
+## Plugin config blocks
+
+Every installed plugin stores its settings under a top-level key equal to
+its plugin id (the template ships one for the bundled `web-ui-info`
+plugin). The shape of each block is defined by that plugin's
+`config_schema.json`; common keys are `enabled` and `display_duration`.
+See [PLUGIN_CONFIG_CORE_PROPERTIES.md](PLUGIN_CONFIG_CORE_PROPERTIES.md).
+
+## `config/config_secrets.json`
+
+| Key | Meaning |
+|---|---|
+| `github.api_token` | Optional GitHub token the Plugin Store uses to avoid API rate limits (`src/plugin_system/store_registry.py`) |
+| `<plugin-id>.*` | Secrets a plugin declares with `"x-secret": true` in its config schema; merged into that plugin's config at load time |

docs/CREATING_SKINS.md

@@ -1,242 +0,0 @@
-# Creating Skins
-
-A skin restyles a sports scoreboard (live / recent / upcoming) without
-forking the plugin: the plugin keeps fetching data, scheduling, caching, and
-doing vegas mode; your skin only draws. Architecture background:
-[SKIN_SYSTEM.md](SKIN_SYSTEM.md).
-
-## Quick start
-
-```bash
-cp -r skins/example-classic-baseball skins/my-skin
-# edit skins/my-skin/skin.json  -> set id ("my-skin"), name, author, class_name
-# edit skins/my-skin/skin.py    -> rename the class, start restyling
-python scripts/validate_skin.py --skin my-skin
-```
-
-The validator renders your skin against bundled fixture games at several
-panel sizes with **no hardware, no network, no running service**, saves PNGs
-(plus 4x previews) to `skin_renders/`, and fails loudly on errors. Iterate:
-edit → validate → look at the PNGs.
-
-To see it on your matrix, add to your plugin's section in `config/config.json`:
-
-```json
-"baseball-scoreboard": {
-  "skin": "my-skin",
-  "skin_options": { }
-}
-```
-
-or pick it from the **Visual Skin** dropdown in the web UI (it appears once a
-matching skin is installed). `"skin"` also accepts a per-mode mapping:
-`{"live": "my-skin", "recent": "built-in"}`.
-
-## The manifest (`skin.json`)
-
-```json
-{
-  "id": "my-skin",
-  "name": "My Skin",
-  "version": "1.0.0",
-  "author": "you",
-  "description": "What it looks like",
-  "skin_api_version": "1.0.0",
-  "targets": {
-    "sports": ["baseball"],
-    "sport_keys": ["mlb", "milb"],
-    "plugins": []
-  },
-  "entry_point": "skin.py",
-  "class_name": "MySkin",
-  "modes": ["live", "recent", "upcoming"],
-  "preview": "preview.png"
-}
-```
-
-Field notes: `id` must equal the directory name; `skin_api_version`'s major
-version must match the host's `SKIN_API_VERSION` or the skin is refused at
-load; `targets` takes sport families (`sports`), exact sport keys
-(`sport_keys`), and/or exact plugin ids (`plugins`) — any match applies.
-
-## The renderer (`skin.py`)
-
-```python
-from src.skin_system.skin_base import ScoreboardSkin, SkinContext
-
-class MySkin(ScoreboardSkin):
-    def render_live(self, ctx: SkinContext, game: dict) -> bool:
-        score = f"{game.get('away_score', '0')}-{game.get('home_score', '0')}"
-        fit = ctx.layout.fit_text(score, ctx.layout.bounds)
-        ctx.draw_fit(fit, ctx.layout.bounds)
-        return True   # True = "I drew it"; False = use the built-in layout
-```
-
-Implement only the modes you care about — anything else falls back to the
-plugin's built-in rendering. Return `False` to decline a specific game (e.g.
-a layout that only makes sense while a game is live).
-
-### The rules (they keep your skin from breaking the display)
-
-1. **Draw only onto `ctx.canvas`** (via the helpers or `ctx.draw`). Never
-   reassign `ctx.canvas`, never touch the display or call any update method.
-2. **No I/O in render paths.** No network, no file loads per frame —
-   `render_live` runs every display pass, and a slow render stalls the whole
-   matrix (the host warns at >150 ms). Use `ctx.load_logo` (cached) and
-   `cache_key=` for images.
-3. **Derive everything from `(ctx, game)`.** Skins must be stateless: the
-   live/recent/upcoming modes each get their own instance.
-4. **Always `.get()` optional keys.** Only the guaranteed keys below are
-   promised to exist.
-5. **Never hardcode pixel positions for the panel.** Use `ctx.width`/
-   `ctx.height`, `ctx.layout` regions and `fit_text` — your skin will be run
-   at sizes you didn't test (64x32, 128x64, vegas cards).
-6. **No third-party dependencies.** Stdlib + PIL + what `ctx` provides.
-
-A skin that raises 3 renders in a row is disabled until the service restarts
-(the built-in layout takes over), so a bug is cosmetic — but check your logs.
-
-## SkinContext reference
-
-| Member | What it is |
-|---|---|
-| `ctx.canvas` / `ctx.draw` | Fresh RGB `PIL.Image` at display size + its `ImageDraw` (raw-PIL escape hatch) |
-| `ctx.width`, `ctx.height` | Canvas size — the only size truth |
-| `ctx.layout` | `LayoutContext` (see [ADAPTIVE_LAYOUT.md](ADAPTIVE_LAYOUT.md)): `bounds`, `fit_text`, `fit_text_proportional`, `fit_image`, `px`, `by_tier` |
-| `ctx.draw_fit(fit, box, color, align, valign)` | Draw a `fit_text` result aligned in a `Region` (handles BDF fonts) |
-| `ctx.draw_text(text, x, y, color, font)` | Positioned text (handles BDF fonts) |
-| `ctx.draw_image(img, box, mode, align, valign, cache_key)` | Fit + paste an image with alpha; no-ops on `None` |
-| `ctx.load_logo("home" \| "away")` | Team logo as RGBA, or `None` (always handle `None`). Cached after first use; see note below |
-| `ctx.draw_text_outlined(text, (x, y), font, fill, outline_color)` | The classic scorebug outlined text (TTF fonts only) |
-| `ctx.fonts` | The host's font dict — keys `score`, `time`, `team`, `status`, `detail`, `rank` |
-| `ctx.options` | Your user's `skin_options` from config |
-| `ctx.sport`, `ctx.view_model_version`, `ctx.logger` | Context metadata + logger |
-
-**A note on `ctx.load_logo` vs the no-I/O rule:** `load_logo` is the one
-sanctioned exception. It goes through the host's logo cache — after the
-first call per team it's a pure in-memory lookup. If a logo file is missing
-on disk, the *first* call may download it, exactly like the built-in
-renderer does for the same game (a skin is never worse than built-in here).
-Always pass a stable `cache_key` when drawing it, never load image files
-yourself in a render path, and always handle `None`.
-
-The default layout idiom — carve regions, then fit text into them:
-
-```python
-from src.adaptive_layout import scoreboard_regions
-
-regions = scoreboard_regions(ctx.layout.bounds, ctx=ctx.layout)
-ctx.draw_image(ctx.load_logo("away"), regions.away_slot, cache_key=f"logo:{game.get('away_abbr')}")
-ctx.draw_image(ctx.load_logo("home"), regions.home_slot, cache_key=f"logo:{game.get('home_abbr')}")
-fit = ctx.layout.fit_text("3-5", regions.score_area)
-ctx.draw_fit(fit, regions.score_area)
-```
-
-`Region` supports `split_h`/`split_v`/`inset`/`top_band`/`bottom_band`/
-`left_col`/`right_col` for custom carves. Raw `ctx.draw.rectangle/polygon/
-ellipse/...` is always available for custom marks (see the bases diamond in
-the example skin).
-
-## The game view model
-
-Guaranteed for every sport (view model v1.0 — renaming these breaks skins and
-is treated as a breaking change upstream):
-
-| Key | Notes |
-|---|---|
-| `id` | Event id (string) |
-| `status_text` | Display-ready status, e.g. `"Final"`, `"7:30 PM"`, `"Bot 7th"` |
-| `is_live`, `is_final`, `is_upcoming`, `is_halftime` | Booleans |
-| `game_date`, `game_time` | Pre-formatted local date/time strings |
-| `start_time_utc` | UTC `datetime` |
-| `home_abbr`, `away_abbr` | Team abbreviations (can be 2–5 chars — fit, don't assume) |
-| `home_id`, `away_id` | Team ids |
-| `home_score`, `away_score` | **Strings**, not ints |
-| `home_record`, `away_record` | `"58-33"` or `""` (0-0 records are blanked) |
-| `home_logo_path`, `away_logo_path` | Prefer `ctx.load_logo` over touching these |
-
-Sport extras (present for that sport, still `.get()` defensively):
-
-- **baseball**: `inning` (int), `inning_half` (`"top"`/`"bottom"`), `balls`,
-  `strikes`, `outs` (ints), `bases_occupied` (`[first, second, third]`
-  booleans), `series_summary` (str)
-- **football**: `period`, `period_text`, `clock`, `home_timeouts`,
-  `away_timeouts`, `down_distance_text`, `down_distance_text_long`,
-  `is_redzone`, `possession`, `possession_indicator` (`"home"`/`"away"`),
-  `scoring_event`
-- **basketball**: `period`, `period_text`, `clock`
-- **hockey**: `period`, `period_text`, `clock`, `power_play`, `penalties`,
-  `home_shots`, `away_shots`
-
-Optional everywhere (only when the user enabled the feature): `odds` (dict),
-`series_summary`, rankings-related fields.
-
-Fixture copies of these dicts live in `src/skin_system/fixtures/` — that's
-exactly what the validator feeds your skin.
-
-## Vegas mode
-
-You get vegas support for free: vegas captures the normal display output,
-which is already your skin's rendering. Optionally implement
-`render_vegas_card(ctx, game)` to return a purpose-built card at
-`ctx.width x ctx.height` (sizes vary — never assume 128x32).
-
-## Building a skin with Claude Code
-
-Skins are ideal Claude Code projects: small, isolated, and verifiable with
-one command. Paste this to start:
-
-> You are building a **display skin** for LEDMatrix — a visual overlay for a
-> sports scoreboard on a small LED matrix (commonly 128x32 or 64x32 pixels).
-> First read `docs/CREATING_SKINS.md` and the reference skin in
-> `skins/example-classic-baseball/`.
->
-> Rules:
-> - Create/modify files ONLY under `skins/<my-skin-id>/`. Do NOT modify
->   anything in `src/`, `scripts/`, the plugins, or any other skin.
-> - Render only from the `game` dict and `ctx` helpers. No network calls, no
->   per-frame file I/O, no new pip dependencies, no touching the display —
->   draw onto `ctx.canvas` and return True.
-> - Use `ctx.layout` regions and `fit_text` for positioning so the skin works
->   at any panel size; use `.get()` for every optional game key.
-> - After every change run
->   `python scripts/validate_skin.py --skin <my-skin-id>` and LOOK at the
->   PNGs it writes to `skin_renders/` (the `_x4.png` files are easiest to
->   read). Iterate until it passes and looks right at both 128x32 and 64x32.
->
-> What I want it to look like: <describe your layout — where logos, score,
-> status go; colors; what shows during live vs upcoming vs final>
-
-Tips that keep Claude (and you) out of trouble:
-
-- One mode at a time: get `render_live` right before touching the others —
-  unimplemented modes automatically use the built-in look.
-- Ask for edge-case renders: long team abbreviations, missing logos
-  (`ctx.load_logo` returning `None`), 0-0 records, extra innings/OT.
-- If the render looks cramped at 64x32, ask Claude to use
-  `ctx.layout.by_tier(...)` to drop elements on small panels rather than
-  shrinking everything.
-- Never let it "fix" a problem by editing `src/` — if the skin can't do
-  something within its directory, that's a feature request, not a workaround.
-
-## Pre-publish checklist
-
-- [ ] `python scripts/validate_skin.py --skin <id> --size 128x32 --size 64x32 --size 128x64` passes
-- [ ] Looked at every PNG in `skin_renders/` — nothing clipped or overlapping
-- [ ] Handles a missing logo (`None`) without crashing — temporarily point a
-      fixture's logo path at a nonexistent file to test
-- [ ] Long abbreviations (`"TA&M"`, 4–5 chars) don't overflow
-- [ ] No render warning above the time budget
-- [ ] `skin.json`: `id` matches the directory, `version` set,
-      `skin_api_version` matches the host, targets correct
-- [ ] `preview.png` added (grab your favorite `_x4` render)
-- [ ] Tested on real hardware if you have it — a Pi is much slower than your
-      dev machine
-
-Distribute by publishing the directory as a git repo (users
-`git clone <repo> skins/<id>`), or submit it to the plugin registry as an
-entry with `"type": "skin"` (see [SKIN_SYSTEM.md](SKIN_SYSTEM.md) §Distribution).
-
-**Trust note:** a skin is Python running inside the display service — the
-same trust level as a plugin. Review code before installing skins from
-others.

docs/DEVELOPER_QUICK_REFERENCE.md

@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ POST /api/v3/system/action
 
 **Base URL**: `http://your-pi-ip:5000/api/v3`
 
-See [API_REFERENCE.md](API_REFERENCE.md) for complete documentation.
+See [REST_API_REFERENCE.md](REST_API_REFERENCE.md) for complete documentation.
 
 ## Display Manager Quick Methods
 
@@ -54,8 +54,8 @@ rows = self.layout.bounds.inset(1).split_v(3, 1, gap=1)
 self.draw_fit("12:34", rows[0])                 # largest crisp font that fits
 self.draw_image(logo, rows[1], mode="fill_height", crop_to_ink=True)
 
-# Weather icons
-display_manager.draw_weather_icon("rain", x=10, y=10, size=16)
+# Weather icons: draw_weather_icon() is deprecated, removed in 3.7.0 —
+# draw your own icons (the weather plugin ships WeatherIcons)
 
 # Scrolling state
 display_manager.set_scrolling_state(True)
@@ -72,20 +72,23 @@ cache_manager.delete("key")       # alias for clear_cache(key)
 
 # Advanced caching
 data = cache_manager.get_cached_data_with_strategy("key", data_type="weather")
-data = cache_manager.get_background_cached_data("key", sport_key="nhl")
 
 # Strategy
 strategy = cache_manager.get_cache_strategy("weather")
-interval = cache_manager.get_sport_live_interval("nhl")
 ```
 
+`get_background_cached_data()` (use `get()`) and `get_sport_live_interval()`
+are deprecated, removed in 3.7.0. See
+[Deprecated APIs](PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md#deprecated-apis).
+
 ## Plugin Manager Quick Methods
 
 ```python
 # Get plugins
 plugin = plugin_manager.get_plugin("plugin-id")
 all_plugins = plugin_manager.get_all_plugins()
-enabled = plugin_manager.get_enabled_plugins()
+# get_enabled_plugins() is deprecated, removed in 3.7.0 — check `enabled`
+# on the entries in plugin_manager.plugins
 
 # Get info
 info = plugin_manager.get_plugin_info("plugin-id")
@@ -168,7 +171,7 @@ def display(self, force_clear=False):
 
 - [ ] Plugin inherits from `BasePlugin`
 - [ ] Implements `update()` and `display()` methods
-- [ ] `manifest.json` with required fields
+- [ ] `manifest.json` with the [required fields](PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md#manifest-required-fields)
 - [ ] `config_schema.json` for web UI (recommended)
 - [ ] `README.md` with documentation
 - [ ] Error handling implemented
@@ -190,12 +193,13 @@ def display(self, force_clear=False):
 
 ```
 LEDMatrix/
-├── plugins/              # Installed plugins
+├── plugin-repos/         # Installed plugins (default; plugins/ is only
+│                         #   for dev symlinks via scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh)
 ├── config/
 │   ├── config.json      # Main configuration
 │   └── config_secrets.json  # API keys and secrets
 ├── docs/                 # Documentation
-│   ├── API_REFERENCE.md
+│   ├── REST_API_REFERENCE.md
 │   ├── PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md
 │   └── ...
 └── src/
@@ -207,7 +211,7 @@ LEDMatrix/
 
 ## Quick Links
 
-- [Complete API Reference](API_REFERENCE.md)
+- [Complete REST API Reference](REST_API_REFERENCE.md)
 - [Plugin API Reference](PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md)
 - [Plugin Development Guide](PLUGIN_DEVELOPMENT_GUIDE.md)
 - [Advanced Patterns](ADVANCED_PLUGIN_DEVELOPMENT.md)

docs/DEVELOPMENT.md

@@ -43,16 +43,21 @@ git submodule update --init --recursive rpi-rgb-led-matrix-master
 
 #### Building the Submodule
 
-After initializing the submodule, you need to build the Python bindings:
+After initializing the submodule, build and install the `rgbmatrix` Python
+package from the submodule root. Upstream's `pyproject.toml` builds it with
+scikit-build-core, CMake and Ninja; there is no separate `make` step:
 
 ```bash
 cd rpi-rgb-led-matrix-master
-make build-python
-cd bindings/python
 python3 -m pip install --break-system-packages .
 ```
 
-**Note:** The `first_time_install.sh` script automates this process during installation.
+On a board with 1 GB of RAM or less, cap the compile so it doesn't run out of
+memory: `CMAKE_BUILD_PARALLEL_LEVEL=1 python3 -m pip install --break-system-packages .`
+
+**Note:** The `first_time_install.sh` script automates this process during
+installation, including the parallelism cap and a temporary swapfile on
+low-memory boards.
 
 #### Troubleshooting
 
@@ -69,7 +74,7 @@ git submodule update --init --recursive rpi-rgb-led-matrix-master
 **Build fails:**
 Ensure you have the required build dependencies installed:
 ```bash
-sudo apt install -y build-essential python3-dev cython3 scons
+sudo apt install -y build-essential python-dev-is-python3 cmake ninja-build
 ```
 
 **Import error for `rgbmatrix` module:**
@@ -97,8 +102,6 @@ When setting up CI/CD pipelines, ensure submodules are initialized before buildi
 - name: Build rpi-rgb-led-matrix
   run: |
     cd rpi-rgb-led-matrix-master
-    make build-python
-    cd bindings/python
     pip install .
 ```
 
@@ -110,8 +113,6 @@ variables:
 build:
   script:
     - cd rpi-rgb-led-matrix-master
-    - make build-python
-    - cd bindings/python
     - pip install .
 ```
 

docs/EMULATOR_SETUP_GUIDE.md

@@ -17,13 +17,13 @@ The LEDMatrix emulator allows you to run and test LEDMatrix displays on your com
 ## Prerequisites
 
 ### System Requirements
-- Python 3.7 or higher
+- Python 3.10 or higher
 - Windows, macOS, or Linux
 - At least 2GB RAM (4GB recommended)
 - Internet connection for plugin downloads
 
 ### Required Software
-- Python 3.7+
+- Python 3.10+
 - pip (Python package manager)
 - Git (for plugin management)
 
@@ -50,8 +50,7 @@ pip install -r requirements-emulator.txt
 ```
 
 This installs:
-- `RGBMatrixEmulator` - The core emulation library
-- Additional dependencies for display adapters
+- `RGBMatrixEmulator` - the emulation library (and whatever it depends on)
 
 ### 3. Install Standard Dependencies
 
@@ -63,29 +62,31 @@ pip install -r requirements.txt
 
 ### 1. Emulator Configuration File
 
-The emulator uses `emulator_config.json` for configuration. Here's the
-default configuration as it ships in the repo:
+The emulator uses `emulator_config.json` for configuration. It isn't in
+the repo (it's gitignored): RGBMatrixEmulator writes it on first run.
+A typical file looks like this:
 
 ```json
 {
     "pixel_outline": 0,
-    "pixel_size": 5,
+    "pixel_size": 16,
     "pixel_style": "square",
     "pixel_glow": 6,
-    "display_adapter": "pygame",
+    "display_adapter": "browser",
+    "allow_adapter_fallback": true,
     "icon_path": null,
     "emulator_title": null,
     "suppress_font_warnings": false,
-    "suppress_adapter_load_errors": false,
     "browser": {
         "_comment": "For use with the browser adapter only.",
         "port": 8888,
-        "target_fps": 24,
+        "target_fps": 60,
         "fps_display": false,
         "quality": 70,
         "image_border": true,
         "debug_text": false,
-        "image_format": "JPEG"
+        "image_format": "JPEG",
+        "open_immediately": false
     },
     "log_level": "info"
 }
@@ -96,13 +97,13 @@ default configuration as it ships in the repo:
 | Option | Description | Default | Values |
 |--------|-------------|---------|--------|
 | `pixel_outline` | Pixel border thickness | 0 | 0-5 |
-| `pixel_size` | Size of each pixel | 5 | 1-64 (8–16 is typical for testing) |
+| `pixel_size` | Size of each pixel | 16 | 1-64 (8–16 is typical for testing) |
 | `pixel_style` | Pixel shape | "square" | "square", "circle" |
 | `pixel_glow` | Glow effect intensity | 6 | 0-20 |
-| `display_adapter` | Display backend | "pygame" | "pygame", "browser" |
+| `display_adapter` | Display backend | "browser" | "browser", "pygame" |
+| `allow_adapter_fallback` | Fall back to another adapter if the configured one fails to load | true | true/false |
 | `emulator_title` | Window title | null | Any string |
 | `suppress_font_warnings` | Hide font warnings | false | true/false |
-| `suppress_adapter_load_errors` | Hide adapter errors | false | true/false |
 
 ### 3. Browser Adapter Configuration
 
@@ -111,18 +112,32 @@ When using the browser adapter, additional options are available:
 | Option | Description | Default |
 |--------|-------------|---------|
 | `port` | Web server port | 8888 |
-| `target_fps` | Target frames per second | 24 |
+| `target_fps` | Target frames per second | 60 |
 | `fps_display` | Show FPS counter | false |
 | `quality` | Image compression quality | 70 |
 | `image_border` | Show image border | true |
 | `debug_text` | Show debug information | false |
 | `image_format` | Image format | "JPEG" |
+| `open_immediately` | Open the browser page automatically on start | false |
 
 ## Running the Emulator
 
-### 1. Set Environment Variable
+### 1. Use the `-e` Flag (Recommended)
 
-Enable emulator mode by setting the `EMULATOR` environment variable:
+`run.py` accepts exactly two flags: `-e`/`--emulator` and
+`-d`/`--debug`.
+
+```bash
+python3 run.py -e
+
+# With verbose logging
+python3 run.py -e -d
+```
+
+### 2. Alternative: Set the Environment Variable
+
+You can also enable emulator mode via the `EMULATOR` environment
+variable:
 
 **Windows (Command Prompt):**
 ```cmd
@@ -137,15 +152,6 @@ python run.py
 ```
 
 **Linux/macOS:**
-```bash
-export EMULATOR=true
-python3 run.py
-```
-
-### 2. Alternative: Direct Python Execution
-
-You can also run the emulator directly:
-
 ```bash
 EMULATOR=true python3 run.py
 ```
@@ -153,7 +159,8 @@ EMULATOR=true python3 run.py
 ### 3. Verify Emulator Mode
 
 When running in emulator mode, you should see:
-- A window displaying the LED matrix simulation
+- The emulated matrix — a web page at `http://localhost:8888` with the
+  default browser adapter, or a desktop window with the pygame adapter
 - Console output indicating emulator mode
 - No hardware initialization errors
 
@@ -161,7 +168,36 @@ When running in emulator mode, you should see:
 
 LEDMatrix supports two display adapters for the emulator:
 
-### 1. Pygame Adapter (Default)
+### 1. Browser Adapter (Default)
+
+The browser adapter runs a web server and displays the matrix as a web
+page at `http://localhost:8888`. This is the adapter the shipped
+`emulator_config.json` uses.
+
+**Features:**
+- Web-based interface
+- Remote access capability
+- Mobile-friendly
+- Screenshot capture
+
+**Configuration:**
+```json
+{
+    "display_adapter": "browser",
+    "browser": {
+        "port": 8888,
+        "target_fps": 60,
+        "quality": 70
+    }
+}
+```
+
+**Usage:**
+1. Start the emulator (`python3 run.py -e`)
+2. Open browser to `http://localhost:8888`
+3. View the LED matrix display
+
+### 2. Pygame Adapter (Alternative)
 
 The pygame adapter provides a native desktop window with real-time display.
 
@@ -186,33 +222,6 @@ The pygame adapter provides a native desktop window with real-time display.
 - `+/-` - Zoom in/out
 - `R` - Reset zoom
 
-### 2. Browser Adapter
-
-The browser adapter runs a web server and displays the matrix in a web browser.
-
-**Features:**
-- Web-based interface
-- Remote access capability
-- Mobile-friendly
-- Screenshot capture
-
-**Configuration:**
-```json
-{
-    "display_adapter": "browser",
-    "browser": {
-        "port": 8888,
-        "target_fps": 24,
-        "quality": 70
-    }
-}
-```
-
-**Usage:**
-1. Start the emulator with browser adapter
-2. Open browser to `http://localhost:8888`
-3. View the LED matrix display
-
 ## Troubleshooting
 
 ### Common Issues
@@ -274,8 +283,7 @@ Enable debug logging:
 ```json
 {
     "log_level": "debug",
-    "suppress_font_warnings": false,
-    "suppress_adapter_load_errors": false
+    "suppress_font_warnings": false
 }
 ```
 
@@ -299,17 +307,18 @@ Modify the display dimensions in your main config:
 
 ### 2. Plugin Development
 
-For plugin development with the emulator:
+`run.py` always runs the full rotation — it has no single-plugin flag.
+To preview or check one plugin in isolation, use the dev tools:
 
 ```bash
-# Enable emulator mode
-export EMULATOR=true
+# Run the full display in emulator mode (optionally with debug logging)
+python3 run.py -e -d
 
-# Run with specific plugin
-python run.py --plugin my-plugin
+# Live single-plugin preview in the browser (port 5001)
+python3 scripts/dev_server.py
 
-# Debug mode
-python run.py --debug
+# Headless render/validation of one plugin
+python3 scripts/check_plugin.py --plugin my-plugin
 ```
 
 ### 3. Performance Tuning
@@ -344,11 +353,10 @@ The emulator can work alongside the web interface:
 
 ```bash
 # Terminal 1: Start emulator
-export EMULATOR=true
-python run.py
+python3 run.py -e
 
-# Terminal 2: Start web interface
-python web_interface/app.py
+# Terminal 2: Start web interface (supported entry point)
+python3 web_interface/start.py
 ```
 
 Access the web interface at `http://localhost:5000` while the emulator runs.
@@ -365,13 +373,14 @@ Access the web interface at `http://localhost:5000` while the emulator runs.
 ### 2. Plugin Testing
 
 ```bash
-# Test specific plugin
-export EMULATOR=true
-python run.py --plugin clock-simple
+# Test a specific plugin (headless check)
+python3 scripts/check_plugin.py --plugin clock-simple
 
-# Test all plugins
-export EMULATOR=true
-python run.py --test-plugins
+# Preview a single plugin live in the browser (port 5001)
+python3 scripts/dev_server.py
+
+# Test the full rotation in the emulator
+python3 run.py -e
 ```
 
 ### 3. Configuration Management
@@ -385,9 +394,8 @@ python run.py --test-plugins
 ### Basic Clock Display
 
 ```bash
-# Start emulator with clock
-export EMULATOR=true
-python run.py
+# Start emulator with clock enabled in config.json
+python3 run.py -e
 ```
 
 ### Sports Scores
@@ -395,16 +403,16 @@ python run.py
 ```bash
 # Configure for sports display
 # Edit config/config.json to enable sports plugins
-export EMULATOR=true
-python run.py
+python3 run.py -e
 ```
 
 ### Custom Text Display
 
 ```bash
-# Use text display plugin
-export EMULATOR=true
-python run.py --plugin text-display --text "Hello World"
+# Preview the text display plugin on its own
+python3 scripts/check_plugin.py --plugin text-display
+# or use the live dev preview server
+python3 scripts/dev_server.py
 ```
 
 ## Support

docs/FONT_MANAGER.md

@@ -9,166 +9,87 @@
 
 ## Overview
 
-The enhanced FontManager provides comprehensive font management for the LEDMatrix application with support for:
-- Manager font registration and detection
-- Plugin font management
-- Manual font overrides via web interface
-- Performance monitoring and caching
-- Dynamic font discovery
+[`src/font_manager.py`](../src/font_manager.py) loads and caches the TTF and
+BDF fonts in `assets/fonts/`, registers fonts that plugins ship, and records
+which plugin uses which font so the web UI can show it.
 
-## Architecture
+Several methods are deprecated and will be removed in LEDMatrix 3.7.0; they
+log a warning on first call. They are listed in
+[Deprecated methods](#deprecated-methods) below, and the full set is pinned in
+[`test/test_deprecation.py`](../test/test_deprecation.py).
 
-### Manager-Centric Design
+## Getting the FontManager
 
-Managers define their own fonts, but the FontManager:
-1. **Loads and caches fonts** for performance
-2. **Detects font usage** for visibility
-3. **Allows manual overrides** when needed
-4. **Supports plugin fonts** with namespacing
-
-### Font Resolution Flow
-
-```
-Manager requests font → Check manual overrides → Apply manager choice → Cache & return
-```
-
-## For Manager Developers
-
-### Basic Font Usage
+There is one shared FontManager per display process. The display controller
+creates it and hands it to the `PluginManager`, so a plugin reaches it
+through its `plugin_manager`:
 
 ```python
-from src.font_manager import FontManager
-
-class MyManager:
-    def __init__(self, config, display_manager, cache_manager):
-        self.font_manager = display_manager.font_manager  # Access shared FontManager
-        self.manager_id = "my_manager"
-        
-    def display(self):
-        # Define your font choices
-        element_key = "my_manager.title"
-        font_family = "press_start"
-        font_size_px = 10
-        color = (255, 255, 255)  # RGB white
-        
-        # Register your font choice (for detection and future overrides)
-        self.font_manager.register_manager_font(
-            manager_id=self.manager_id,
-            element_key=element_key,
-            family=font_family,
-            size_px=font_size_px,
-            color=color
-        )
-        
-        # Get the font (checks for manual overrides automatically)
-        font = self.font_manager.resolve_font(
-            element_key=element_key,
-            family=font_family,
-            size_px=font_size_px
-        )
-        
-        # Use the font for rendering
-        self.display_manager.draw_text(
-            "Hello World",
-            x=10, y=10,
-            color=color,
-            font=font
-        )
+class MyPlugin(BasePlugin):
+    def __init__(self, plugin_id, config, display_manager, cache_manager, plugin_manager):
+        super().__init__(plugin_id, config, display_manager, cache_manager, plugin_manager)
+        self.font_manager = self._get_font_manager()
 ```
 
-### Advanced Font Usage
+`BasePlugin._get_font_manager()` returns `plugin_manager.font_manager`, or a
+standalone FontManager when none is available (test harnesses, mocks).
+`DisplayManager` has **no** `font_manager` attribute —
+`display_manager.font_manager` raises `AttributeError`.
+
+## Resolving a font
 
 ```python
-class AdvancedManager:
-    def __init__(self, config, display_manager, cache_manager):
-        self.font_manager = display_manager.font_manager
-        self.manager_id = "advanced_manager"
-        
-        # Define your font specifications
-        self.font_specs = {
-            "title": {"family": "press_start", "size_px": 12, "color": (255, 255, 0)},
-            "body": {"family": "four_by_six", "size_px": 8, "color": (255, 255, 255)},
-            "footer": {"family": "five_by_seven", "size_px": 7, "color": (128, 128, 128)}
-        }
-        
-        # Register all font specs
-        for element_type, spec in self.font_specs.items():
-            element_key = f"{self.manager_id}.{element_type}"
-            self.font_manager.register_manager_font(
-                manager_id=self.manager_id,
-                element_key=element_key,
-                family=spec["family"],
-                size_px=spec["size_px"],
-                color=spec["color"]
-            )
-    
-    def get_font(self, element_type: str):
-        """Helper method to get fonts with override support."""
-        spec = self.font_specs[element_type]
-        element_key = f"{self.manager_id}.{element_type}"
-        
-        return self.font_manager.resolve_font(
-            element_key=element_key,
-            family=spec["family"],
-            size_px=spec["size_px"]
-        )
-    
-    def display(self):
-        # Get fonts (automatically checks for overrides)
-        title_font = self.get_font("title")
-        body_font = self.get_font("body")
-        footer_font = self.get_font("footer")
-        
-        # Render with fonts
-        self.display_manager.draw_text("Title", font=title_font, color=self.font_specs["title"]["color"])
-        self.display_manager.draw_text("Body Text", font=body_font, color=self.font_specs["body"]["color"])
-        self.display_manager.draw_text("Footer", font=footer_font, color=self.font_specs["footer"]["color"])
-```
+element_key = f"{self.plugin_id}.title"
 
-### Using Size Tokens
-
-```python
-# Get available size tokens
-tokens = self.font_manager.get_size_tokens()
-# Returns: {'xs': 6, 'sm': 8, 'md': 10, 'lg': 12, 'xl': 14, 'xxl': 16}
-
-# Use token to get size
-size_px = tokens.get('md', 10)  # 10px
-
-# Then use in font resolution
-font = self.font_manager.resolve_font(
-    element_key="my_manager.text",
+# Register the choice so the web UI's Fonts tab can list it.
+self.font_manager.register_manager_font(
+    manager_id=self.plugin_id,
+    element_key=element_key,
     family="press_start",
-    size_px=size_px
+    size_px=10,
+    color=(255, 255, 255),
 )
+
+font = self.font_manager.resolve_font(
+    element_key=element_key,
+    family="press_start",
+    size_px=10,
+)
+self.display_manager.draw_text("Hello", x=10, y=10, font=font)
 ```
 
-## For Plugin Developers
+`resolve_font()` applies any entry for `element_key` in
+`config/font_overrides.json`, maps a plugin-local family to its namespaced
+name when `plugin_id` is passed, and then calls `get_font(family, size_px)`.
+On error it returns a fallback font rather than raising.
 
-> **Note**: plugins that ship their own fonts via a `"fonts"` block
-> in `manifest.json` are registered automatically during plugin load
-> (`src/plugin_system/plugin_manager.py` calls
-> `FontManager.register_plugin_fonts()`). The `plugin://…` source
-> URIs documented below are resolved relative to the plugin's
-> install directory.
->
-> The **Fonts** tab in the web UI that lists detected
-> manager-registered fonts is still a **placeholder
-> implementation** — fonts that managers register through
-> `register_manager_font()` do not yet appear there. The
-> programmatic per-element override workflow described in
-> [Manual Font Overrides](#manual-font-overrides) below
-> (`set_override()` / `remove_override()` / the
-> `config/font_overrides.json` store) **does** work today and is
-> the supported way to override a font for an element until the
-> Fonts tab is wired up. If you can't wait and need a workaround
-> right now, you can also just load the font directly with PIL
-> (or `freetype-py` for BDF) inside your plugin's `manager.py`
-> and skip the override system entirely.
+`get_font(family, size_px)` looks the family up in `font_catalog` and loads
+it (cached per family and size).
 
-### Plugin Font Registration
+## Font families
 
-In your plugin's `manifest.json`:
+At start-up the FontManager scans `assets/fonts/` for `.ttf` and `.bdf`
+files. Each becomes a family named after the file, lower-cased and without
+the extension (`PressStart2P-Regular.ttf` → `pressstart2p-regular`). Four
+aliases are added on top:
+
+| Alias | File |
+|---|---|
+| `press_start` | `assets/fonts/PressStart2P-Regular.ttf` |
+| `four_by_six` | `assets/fonts/4x6-font.ttf` |
+| `five_by_seven` | `assets/fonts/5x7.bdf` |
+| `tom_thumb` | `assets/fonts/tom-thumb.bdf` |
+
+Read the catalog directly: `font_manager.font_catalog` is a dict of family
+name to file path. Files added later are picked up on the next start of the
+display service.
+
+## Plugin fonts
+
+Plugins that ship their own fonts declare them in a `"fonts"` block in
+`manifest.json`. The plugin manager calls
+`FontManager.register_plugin_fonts()` during plugin load. `plugin://…`
+sources are resolved relative to the plugin's install directory.
 
 ```json
 {
@@ -179,216 +100,123 @@ In your plugin's `manifest.json`:
       {
         "family": "custom_font",
         "source": "plugin://fonts/custom.ttf",
-        "metadata": {
-          "description": "Custom plugin font",
-          "license": "MIT"
-        }
+        "metadata": {"description": "Custom plugin font", "license": "MIT"}
       },
       {
         "family": "web_font",
         "source": "https://example.com/fonts/font.ttf",
-        "metadata": {
-          "description": "Downloaded font",
-          "checksum": "sha256:abc123..."
-        }
+        "metadata": {"checksum": "sha256:abc123..."}
       }
     ]
   }
 }
 ```
 
-### Using Plugin Fonts
+Registered families are namespaced as `<plugin_id>::<family>`. Pass
+`plugin_id` to `resolve_font()` to use the short name:
 
 ```python
-class PluginManager:
-    def __init__(self, config, display_manager, cache_manager, plugin_id):
-        self.font_manager = display_manager.font_manager
-        self.plugin_id = plugin_id
-        
-    def display(self):
-        # Use plugin font (automatically namespaced)
-        font = self.font_manager.resolve_font(
-            element_key=f"{self.plugin_id}.text",
-            family="custom_font",  # Will be resolved as "my-plugin::custom_font"
-            size_px=10,
-            plugin_id=self.plugin_id
-        )
-        
-        self.display_manager.draw_text("Plugin Text", font=font)
-```
-
-## Manual Font Overrides
-
-Users can override any font through the web interface:
-
-1. Navigate to **Fonts** tab
-2. View **Detected Manager Fonts** to see what's currently in use
-3. In **Element Overrides** section:
-   - Select the element (e.g., "nfl.live.score")
-   - Choose a different font family
-   - Choose a different size
-   - Click **Add Override**
-
-Overrides are stored in `config/font_overrides.json` and persist across restarts.
-
-### Programmatic Overrides
-
-```python
-# Set override
-font_manager.set_override(
-    element_key="nfl.live.score",
-    family="four_by_six",
-    size_px=8
+font = self.font_manager.resolve_font(
+    element_key=f"{self.plugin_id}.text",
+    family="custom_font",          # resolved as "my-plugin::custom_font"
+    size_px=10,
+    plugin_id=self.plugin_id,
 )
-
-# Remove override
-font_manager.remove_override("nfl.live.score")
-
-# Get all overrides
-overrides = font_manager.get_overrides()
 ```
 
-## Font Discovery
+## Overrides
 
-### Available Fonts
+`resolve_font()` still honours `config/font_overrides.json` (a map of
+element key to `family` and/or `size_px`), which is read once at start-up.
+The methods that edit it — `set_override()`, `remove_override()`,
+`get_overrides()` — are deprecated, and there is no web UI or REST endpoint
+for overrides (the override editor and `/api/v3/fonts/overrides` were
+removed). To let users choose a font, add a field to your plugin's config
+schema.
 
-The FontManager automatically scans `assets/fonts/` for TTF and BDF fonts:
+## Font usage in the web UI
+
+The web UI's **Fonts** tab lists, uploads, previews and deletes the font
+files in `assets/fonts/`. The web interface runs in its own process and has
+no FontManager, so the display service publishes which plugin uses which
+font ([`src/font_usage.py`](../src/font_usage.py)), and the tab's **Used by**
+column reads it:
+
+- **Source**: `register_manager_font()` registrations of the loaded
+  plugins. `get_font()` and `resolve_font()` do not know the calling plugin
+  and are not counted, and neither is a plugin that opens a font file
+  directly with PIL — register the fonts your plugin draws with if you want
+  them listed.
+- **Names**: a family, alias or path is resolved through `font_catalog` to
+  the file it loads and reported under that file's name without extension
+  (`PressStart2P-Regular`, `4x6-font`, `5x7`, `tom-thumb`), which is how the
+  Fonts tab keys its rows. Fonts outside `assets/fonts/` (a plugin's own
+  `plugin_id::family` fonts) and families that resolve to nothing are left
+  out.
+- **When**: a daemon thread started once plugins have loaded checks every
+  10 seconds and writes the `font_usage_snapshot` cache key only when the
+  usage changed (and once a day, so the cache's cleanup never expires it).
+  Unloading a plugin drops its registrations (`forget_manager_fonts`).
+- **Unknown**: until the display service has published, the column reads
+  "unknown" and `GET /api/v3/fonts/catalog` returns `used_by: null`.
+- The tab warns before deleting a font that a loaded plugin registered.
+
+## Text measurement
 
 ```python
-# Get all available fonts
-fonts = font_manager.get_available_fonts()
-# Returns: {'press_start': 'assets/fonts/PressStart2P-Regular.ttf', ...}
-
-# Check if font exists
-if "my_font" in fonts:
-    font = font_manager.get_font("my_font", 10)
-```
-
-### Adding Custom Fonts
-
-Place font files in `assets/fonts/` directory:
-- Supported formats: `.ttf`, `.bdf`
-- Font family name is derived from filename (without extension)
-- Will be automatically discovered on next initialization
-
-## Performance Monitoring
-
-```python
-# Get performance stats
-stats = font_manager.get_performance_stats()
-
-print(f"Cache hit rate: {stats['cache_hit_rate']*100:.1f}%")
-print(f"Total fonts cached: {stats['total_fonts_cached']}")
-print(f"Failed loads: {stats['failed_loads']}")
-print(f"Manager fonts: {stats['manager_fonts']}")
-print(f"Plugin fonts: {stats['plugin_fonts']}")
-```
-
-## Text Measurement
-
-```python
-# Measure text dimensions
 width, height, baseline = font_manager.measure_text("Hello", font)
-
-# Get font height
 font_height = font_manager.get_font_height(font)
 ```
 
-## Best Practices
+## Tips
 
-### For Managers
-
-1. **Register all fonts** you use for visibility
-2. **Use consistent element keys** (e.g., `{manager_id}.{element_type}`)
-3. **Cache font references** if using same font multiple times
-4. **Use `resolve_font()`** not `get_font()` directly to support overrides
-5. **Define sensible defaults** that work well on LED matrix
-
-### For Plugins
-
-1. **Use plugin-relative paths** (`plugin://fonts/...`)
-2. **Include font metadata** (license, description)
-3. **Provide fallback** fonts if custom fonts fail to load
-4. **Test with different display sizes**
-
-### General
-
-1. **BDF fonts** are often better for small sizes on LED matrices
-2. **TTF fonts** work well for larger sizes
-3. **Monospace fonts** are easier to align
-4. **Test on actual hardware** - what looks good on screen may not work on LED matrix
-
-## Migration from Old System
-
-### Old Way (Direct Font Loading)
-```python
-self.font = ImageFont.truetype("assets/fonts/PressStart2P-Regular.ttf", 8)
-```
-
-### New Way (FontManager)
-```python
-element_key = f"{self.manager_id}.text"
-self.font_manager.register_manager_font(
-    manager_id=self.manager_id,
-    element_key=element_key,
-    family="pressstart2p-regular",
-    size_px=8
-)
-self.font = self.font_manager.resolve_font(
-    element_key=element_key,
-    family="pressstart2p-regular",
-    size_px=8
-)
-```
+- BDF fonts usually look better than TTF at small sizes on LED panels.
+- Use `{plugin_id}.{element}` element keys.
+- Register the fonts you draw with, so the Fonts tab can warn before one is
+  deleted.
+- Replace direct `ImageFont.truetype("assets/fonts/...", 8)` calls with
+  `resolve_font()`: it caches, resolves paths against the install directory,
+  and handles BDF files.
 
 ## Troubleshooting
 
-### Font Not Found
-- Check font file exists in `assets/fonts/`
-- Verify font family name matches filename (without extension, lowercase)
-- Check logs for font discovery errors
+**Font not found**
+- Check the file exists in `assets/fonts/`.
+- The family name is the filename without extension, lower-cased.
+- Check the display service log for font discovery errors.
 
-### Override Not Working
-- Verify element key matches exactly what manager registered
-- Check `config/font_overrides.json` for correct syntax
-- Restart application to ensure overrides are loaded
+**Plugin fonts not loading**
+- Check the manifest's `"fonts"` block.
+- Check the log for download or registration errors, and that font URLs are
+  reachable.
 
-### Performance Issues
-- Check cache hit rate in performance stats
-- Reduce number of unique font/size combinations
-- Clear cache if it grows too large: `font_manager.clear_cache()`
+## API reference
 
-### Plugin Fonts Not Loading
-- Verify plugin manifest syntax
-- Check plugin directory structure
-- Review logs for download/registration errors
-- Ensure font URLs are accessible
+Current methods:
 
-## API Reference
+| Method | Purpose |
+|---|---|
+| `register_manager_font(manager_id, element_key, family, size_px, color=None)` | Record a font choice (feeds the Fonts tab) |
+| `forget_manager_fonts(manager_id)` | Drop a manager's registrations (core calls it when a plugin unloads) |
+| `resolve_font(element_key, family, size_px, plugin_id=None)` | Get a font, applying overrides and plugin namespacing |
+| `get_font(family, size_px)` | Get a font directly |
+| `get_native_bdf_size(family)` | Native pixel size of a BDF family, or `None` |
+| `measure_text(text, font)` | `(width, height, baseline)` |
+| `get_font_height(font)` | Line height |
+| `register_plugin_fonts(plugin_id, font_manifest)` | Register a plugin's fonts (core calls it at load) |
+| `clear_cache()` | Drop cached fonts and metrics |
+| `font_catalog` (attribute) | Family name → file path |
 
-### FontManager Methods
+### Deprecated methods
 
-- `register_manager_font(manager_id, element_key, family, size_px, color=None)` - Register font usage
-- `resolve_font(element_key, family, size_px, plugin_id=None)` - Get font with override support
-- `get_font(family, size_px)` - Get font directly (bypasses overrides)
-- `measure_text(text, font)` - Measure text dimensions
-- `get_font_height(font)` - Get font height
-- `set_override(element_key, family=None, size_px=None)` - Set manual override
-- `remove_override(element_key)` - Remove override
-- `get_overrides()` - Get all overrides
-- `get_detected_fonts()` - Get all detected font usage
-- `get_manager_fonts(manager_id=None)` - Get fonts by manager
-- `get_available_fonts()` - Get font catalog
-- `get_size_tokens()` - Get size token definitions
-- `get_performance_stats()` - Get performance metrics
-- `clear_cache()` - Clear font cache
-- `register_plugin_fonts(plugin_id, font_manifest)` - Register plugin fonts
-- `unregister_plugin_fonts(plugin_id)` - Unregister plugin fonts
-
-## Example: Complete Manager Implementation
-
-For a working example of the font manager API in use, see
-`src/font_manager.py` itself and the bundled scoreboard base classes
-in `src/base_classes/` (e.g., `hockey.py`, `football.py`) which
-register and resolve fonts via the patterns documented above.
+Removed in 3.7.0. Each logs a warning on first call.
 
+| Method | Use instead |
+|---|---|
+| `get_available_fonts()`, `get_font_catalog()` | read `font_catalog` |
+| `get_size_tokens()` | pass a pixel size |
+| `get_performance_stats()` | — |
+| `set_override()`, `remove_override()`, `get_overrides()` | a font field in your plugin's config schema |
+| `get_manager_fonts()`, `get_detected_fonts()` | — |
+| `get_plugin_fonts()`, `unregister_plugin_fonts()` | — |
+| `add_font()`, `remove_font()`, `validate_font()` | the web UI's Fonts tab |

docs/GETTING_STARTED.md

@@ -21,18 +21,30 @@ This guide will help you set up your LEDMatrix display for the first time and ge
 
 ---
 
-## Quick Start (5 Minutes)
+## Quick Start
 
-### 1. First Boot
+### 1. Install LEDMatrix
 
-1. Insert the MicroSD card with LEDMatrix installed
-2. Connect the LED matrix to your Raspberry Pi
-3. Plug in the power supply
-4. Wait for the Pi to boot (about 60 seconds)
+There is no prebuilt SD card image — you install LEDMatrix onto stock
+Raspberry Pi OS Lite yourself:
 
-**Expected Behavior:**
+1. Flash Raspberry Pi OS Lite to the MicroSD card (Raspberry Pi Imager)
+2. Connect the LED matrix to your Raspberry Pi, insert the card, and
+   power on
+3. SSH into the Pi and run the one-shot installer:
+   ```bash
+   curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ChuckBuilds/LEDMatrix/main/scripts/install/one-shot-install.sh | bash
+   ```
+   or clone the repo and run `sudo ./first_time_install.sh` — see the
+   [README Installation Steps / Quick Install](../README.md#installation-steps)
+   for full details
+
+**Expected Behavior after install:**
 - LED matrix will light up
-- Display will show default plugins (clock, weather, etc.)
+- A fresh install ships only the bundled `starlark-apps` and
+  `web-ui-info` plugins — clock, weather, sports, etc. must be
+  installed from the Plugin Store (web UI → Plugin Manager) before
+  anything else displays
 - Pi creates WiFi network "LEDMatrix-Setup" if not connected
 
 ### 2. Connect to WiFi
@@ -71,10 +83,10 @@ You should see:
 
 1. Open the **Display** tab
 2. Set your matrix configuration:
-   - **Rows**: 32 or 64 (match your hardware)
-   - **Columns**: commonly 64 or 96; the web UI accepts any integer
-     in the 16–128 range, but 64 and 96 are the values the bundled
-     panel hardware ships with
+   - **Rows**: match your panel — commonly 32 or 64; any even number
+     from 8 to 64
+   - **Columns**: match your panel — commonly 64 or 96; at least 16,
+     with no upper limit
    - **Chain Length**: Number of panels chained horizontally
    - **Hardware Mapping**: usually `adafruit-hat-pwm` (with the PWM jumper
      mod) or `adafruit-hat` (without). See the root README for the full list.
@@ -104,8 +116,8 @@ weather and other location-aware plugins.
 4. Wait for installation to finish — installed plugins appear in the
    **Installed Plugins** section above and get their own tab in the second
    nav row
-5. Toggle the plugin to enabled
-6. From **Overview**, click **Restart Display Service**
+5. Toggle the plugin to enabled. The running display loads it within a
+   few seconds; no restart is needed
 
 You can also install community plugins straight from a GitHub URL using the
 **Install from GitHub** section further down the same tab — see
@@ -115,10 +127,15 @@ You can also install community plugins straight from a GitHub URL using the
 
 1. Each installed plugin gets its own tab in the second navigation row
 2. Open that plugin's tab to edit its settings (favorite teams, API keys,
-   update intervals, display duration, etc.)
-3. Click **Save**
-4. Restart the display service from **Overview** so the new settings take
-   effect
+   update intervals, etc.)
+3. Click **Save**. The display service watches `config.json` and hands the
+   new settings to the running plugin, so no restart is needed. If a plugin
+   still shows old settings, restart the display service from **Overview**
+
+**Note:** how long each plugin stays on screen is not set in the
+plugin's own tab — use the **Rotation** tab's **Screen Durations**
+section instead (saved to `display.display_durations` in
+`config.json`).
 
 **Example: Weather Plugin**
 - Set your location (city, state, country)
@@ -180,14 +197,15 @@ The fastest way to verify a plugin works without waiting for the rotation:
 
 **Check:**
 1. Plugin is enabled (toggle on the **Plugin Manager** tab)
-2. Display service was restarted after enabling
-3. Plugin's display duration is non-zero
-4. No errors in the **Logs** tab for that plugin
+2. Plugin's display duration is non-zero
+3. No errors in the **Logs** tab for that plugin. A plugin whose
+   `validate_config()` fails is not loaded until its settings are fixed
 
 **Fix:**
 1. Enable the plugin from **Plugin Manager**
-2. Click **Restart Display Service** on **Overview**
-3. Check the **Logs** tab for plugin-specific errors
+2. Check the **Logs** tab for plugin-specific errors
+3. If it still does not appear, click **Restart Display Service** on
+   **Overview**
 
 ### Weather Plugin Shows "No Data"
 
@@ -208,12 +226,14 @@ The fastest way to verify a plugin works without waiting for the rotation:
 ### Customize Your Display
 
 **Adjust display durations:**
-- Each plugin's tab has a **Display Duration (seconds)** field — set how
-  long that plugin stays on screen each rotation.
+- Open the **Rotation** tab and use the **Screen Durations** section to
+  set how long each plugin stays on screen per rotation (saved to
+  `display.display_durations`).
 
 **Organize plugin order:**
-- Use the **Plugin Manager** tab to enable/disable plugins. The display
-  cycles through enabled plugins in the order they appear.
+- The **Rotation** tab also has a drag-and-drop **Rotation Order** list
+  (saved to `display.plugin_rotation_order`). Enable/disable plugins
+  from the **Plugin Manager** tab.
 
 **Add more plugins:**
 - Check the **Plugin Store** section of **Plugin Manager** for new plugins.
@@ -280,10 +300,14 @@ sudo journalctl -u ledmatrix-web -f
 │   ├── config_secrets.json   # API keys and secrets
 │   └── wifi_config.json      # WiFi settings
 ├── plugin-repos/             # Installed plugins (default location)
-├── cache/                    # Cached data
 └── web_interface/            # Web interface files
 ```
 
+> Cached data does not live in the project directory — the cache manager
+> uses the first writable location among `/var/cache/ledmatrix`,
+> `~/.ledmatrix_cache`, `/opt/ledmatrix/cache`, and
+> `$TMPDIR/ledmatrix_cache`.
+>
 > The plugin install location is configurable via
 > `plugin_system.plugins_directory` in `config.json`. The default is
 > `plugin-repos/`. Plugin discovery (`PluginManager.discover_plugins()`)
@@ -303,11 +327,14 @@ System tabs:
 - WiFi              Network selection and AP-mode setup
 - Schedule          Power and dim schedules
 - Display           Matrix hardware configuration
+- Rotation          Rotation order (drag-and-drop) and screen durations
 - Config Editor     Raw config.json editor
+- Backup & Restore  Config backup and restore
 - Fonts             Upload and manage fonts
 - Logs              Real-time log viewing
 - Cache             Cached data inspection and cleanup
 - Operation History Recent service operations
+- Tools             System diagnostics, updates, dependencies, maintenance
 
 Plugin tabs (second row):
 - Plugin Manager    Browse the Plugin Store, install/enable plugins

docs/HOW_TO_RUN_TESTS.md

@@ -10,10 +10,7 @@ Make sure you have the testing packages installed:
 
 ```bash
 # Install all dependencies including test packages
-pip install -r requirements.txt
-
-# Or install just the test dependencies
-pip install pytest pytest-cov pytest-mock
+pip install -r requirements.txt -r requirements-test.txt
 ```
 
 ### 2. Set Environment Variables
@@ -55,28 +52,26 @@ pytest test/test_display_controller.py test/test_plugin_system.py
 
 ```bash
 # Run a specific test class
-pytest test/test_display_controller.py::TestDisplayControllerModeRotation
+pytest test/test_display_controller.py::TestDisplayControllerLivePriority
 
 # Run a specific test function
-pytest test/test_display_controller.py::TestDisplayControllerModeRotation::test_basic_rotation
+pytest test/test_display_controller.py::TestDisplayControllerSchedule::test_active_hours
 ```
 
 ### Run Tests by Marker
 
-The tests use markers to categorize them:
+`pytest.ini` declares the markers `unit`, `integration`, `hardware`, `slow`
+and `plugin` (with `--strict-markers`, so a typo in a marker name is an
+error). Few tests are marked: only a handful carry `unit`, and none currently
+carry `integration`, `slow` or `hardware`, so `-m integration` and `-m slow`
+select nothing. Select tests by file, directory or `-k` instead.
 
 ```bash
-# Run only unit tests (fast, isolated)
-pytest -m unit
+# What CI runs for the core suites (excludes anything marked hardware)
+pytest -m "not hardware" test/ --ignore=test/plugins
 
-# Run only integration tests
-pytest -m integration
-
-# Run tests that don't require hardware
-pytest -m "not hardware"
-
-# Run slow tests
-pytest -m slow
+# Tests whose name matches an expression
+pytest -k "config and not secrets"
 ```
 
 ### Run Tests in a Directory
@@ -103,7 +98,7 @@ When you run `pytest`, you'll see:
 
 ```
 test/test_display_controller.py::TestDisplayControllerInitialization::test_init_success PASSED
-test/test_display_controller.py::TestDisplayControllerModeRotation::test_basic_rotation PASSED
+test/test_display_controller.py::TestDisplayControllerOnDemand::test_activate_on_demand PASSED
 ...
 ```
 
@@ -141,58 +136,35 @@ pytest -sv
 
 ## Coverage Reports
 
-The test suite is configured to generate coverage reports.
-
-### View Coverage in Terminal
+Coverage is not collected by a plain `pytest` run: `pytest.ini` deliberately
+has no coverage flags, so local runs stay fast. Ask for it explicitly
+(needs `pytest-cov`, which is in `requirements-test.txt`):
 
 ```bash
-# Coverage is automatically shown when running pytest
-pytest
+# Terminal summary
+pytest --cov=src --cov=web_interface --cov-report=term test/ --ignore=test/plugins
 
-# The output will show something like:
-# ----------- coverage: platform linux, python 3.11.5 -----------
-# Name                                    Stmts   Miss  Cover   Missing
-# ---------------------------------------------------------------------
-# src/display_controller.py                 450     120    73%   45-67, 89-102
+# HTML report in htmlcov/
+pytest --cov=src --cov=web_interface --cov-report=html test/ --ignore=test/plugins
 ```
 
-### Generate HTML Coverage Report
-
-```bash
-# HTML report is automatically generated in htmlcov/
-pytest
-
-# Then open the report in your browser
-# On Linux:
-xdg-open htmlcov/index.html
-
-# On macOS:
-open htmlcov/index.html
-
-# On Windows:
-start htmlcov/index.html
-```
-
-The HTML report shows:
-- Line-by-line coverage
-- Files with low coverage highlighted
-- Interactive navigation
+Then open `htmlcov/index.html` in your browser (`xdg-open` on Linux, `open`
+on macOS, `start` on Windows).
 
 ### Coverage Threshold
 
-The tests are configured to fail if coverage drops below 30%. To change this, edit `pytest.ini`:
-
-```ini
---cov-fail-under=30  # Change this value
-```
+The only threshold is in CI: the core unit-test job in
+[`.github/workflows/test.yml`](../.github/workflows/test.yml) runs with
+`--cov-fail-under=52`. To check it locally, add that flag to the command
+above.
 
 ## Common Test Scenarios
 
 ### Run Tests After Making Changes
 
 ```bash
-# Quick test run (just unit tests)
-pytest -m unit
+# Quick run: just the tests for the area you changed
+pytest test/test_config_manager.py
 
 # Full test suite
 pytest
@@ -202,10 +174,10 @@ pytest
 
 ```bash
 # Run with maximum verbosity and show print statements
-pytest -vv -s test/test_display_controller.py::TestDisplayControllerModeRotation::test_basic_rotation
+pytest -vv -s test/test_display_controller.py::TestDisplayControllerSchedule::test_active_hours
 
 # Run with Python debugger (pdb)
-pytest --pdb test/test_display_controller.py::TestDisplayControllerModeRotation::test_basic_rotation
+pytest --pdb test/test_display_controller.py::TestDisplayControllerSchedule::test_active_hours
 ```
 
 ### Run Tests in Parallel (Faster)
@@ -253,16 +225,10 @@ test/
 ├── test_error_aggregator.py             # Error aggregation tests
 ├── test_schema_manager.py               # Schema manager tests
 ├── test_web_api.py                      # Web API tests
-├── test_nba_*.py                        # NBA-specific test suites
-├── plugins/                             # Per-plugin test suites
-│   ├── test_clock_simple.py
-│   ├── test_calendar.py
-│   ├── test_basketball_scoreboard.py
-│   ├── test_soccer_scoreboard.py
-│   ├── test_odds_ticker.py
-│   ├── test_text_display.py
-│   ├── test_visual_rendering.py
-│   └── test_plugin_base.py
+├── plugins/                             # Plugin rendering suites
+│   ├── test_plugin_matrix.py            # Every discovered plugin, across panel sizes
+│   ├── test_harness.py
+│   └── test_visual_rendering.py
 └── web_interface/
     ├── test_config_manager_atomic.py
     ├── test_state_reconciliation.py
@@ -287,8 +253,8 @@ test/
 If you see import errors:
 
 ```bash
-# Make sure you're in the project root
-cd /home/chuck/Github/LEDMatrix
+# Make sure you're in the project root (wherever you cloned it)
+cd ~/LEDMatrix
 
 # Check Python path
 python -c "import sys; print(sys.path)"
@@ -303,7 +269,7 @@ If tests fail due to missing packages:
 
 ```bash
 # Install all dependencies
-pip install -r requirements.txt
+pip install -r requirements.txt -r requirements-test.txt
 
 # Or install specific missing package
 pip install <package-name>
@@ -329,37 +295,37 @@ If coverage reports aren't generating:
 # Make sure pytest-cov is installed
 pip install pytest-cov
 
-# Run with explicit coverage
-pytest --cov=src --cov-report=html
+# Coverage is opt-in; ask for it explicitly
+pytest --cov=src --cov=web_interface --cov-report=html
 ```
 
 ## Continuous Integration
 
-The repo runs
-[`.github/workflows/security-audit.yml`](../.github/workflows/security-audit.yml)
-(bandit + semgrep) on every push. A pytest CI workflow at
-`.github/workflows/tests.yml` is queued to land alongside this
-PR ([ChuckBuilds/LEDMatrix#307](https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/LEDMatrix/pull/307));
-the workflow file itself was held back from that PR because the
-push token lacked the GitHub `workflow` scope, so it needs to be
-committed separately by a maintainer. Once it's in, this section
-will be updated to describe what the job runs.
+The repo runs the pytest suite via
+[`.github/workflows/test.yml`](../.github/workflows/test.yml) on every
+push and pull request: a plugin-safety job that runs `test/plugins/`, and a
+core unit-test job that runs the whole `test/` tree except `test/plugins/`
+with `-m "not hardware"` and enforces coverage (`--cov-fail-under=52`). New
+test files are picked up automatically. Release version consistency is checked by
+[`.github/workflows/release-version-check.yml`](../.github/workflows/release-version-check.yml).
+Bandit, flake8, mypy and gitleaks run as pre-commit hooks (see
+`.pre-commit-config.yaml`), not in CI.
 
 ## Best Practices
 
 1. **Run tests before committing**:
    ```bash
-   pytest -m unit  # Quick check
+   pytest test/test_<area>.py  # Quick check of what you touched
    ```
 
 2. **Run full suite before pushing**:
    ```bash
-   pytest  # Full test suite with coverage
+   pytest  # Full test suite (add --cov flags for coverage)
    ```
 
 3. **Fix failing tests immediately** - Don't let them accumulate
 
-4. **Keep coverage above threshold** - Aim for 70%+ coverage
+4. **Keep coverage above threshold** - CI fails below 52%
 
 5. **Write tests for new features** - Add tests when adding new functionality
 
@@ -367,9 +333,9 @@ will be updated to describe what the job runs.
 
 ```bash
 # Most common commands
-pytest                    # Run all tests with coverage
+pytest                    # Run all tests (no coverage)
 pytest -v                 # Verbose output
-pytest -m unit           # Run only unit tests
+pytest test/test_x.py     # Run one file
 pytest -k "test_name"    # Run tests matching pattern
 pytest --cov=src         # Generate coverage report
 pytest -x                # Stop on first failure

docs/LOW_MEMORY_BOARDS.md

@@ -0,0 +1,115 @@
+# Running on Low-Memory Boards
+
+Applies to the Pi Zero 2 W (512 MB), Pi 3 / 3B+ (1 GB), and the 1 GB Pi 4.
+If your board has 2 GB or more you can skip this document.
+
+## The failure this prevents
+
+The display process is the largest thing on the board. On a 1 GB Pi 3B+ with
+around 20 plugins enabled it settles near **600 MB of 905 MB usable**, leaving
+under 200 MB of headroom for everything else.
+
+When that headroom runs out, the board does not crash cleanly. `fork()` starts
+failing, and because a new process is needed to do almost anything, the
+symptoms look nothing like "out of memory":
+
+| What you see | Why |
+|---|---|
+| SSH accepts the connection then closes it instantly, before any banner | `sshd` forks a session per connection; the fork fails |
+| The web UI still responds quickly | Already running, serves from existing threads, forks nothing |
+| Ping is perfect, 0% loss | Handled entirely in the kernel |
+| The panel is dark | The display process was killed and cannot be respawned |
+| The clock is wrong after the next boot | `fake-hwclock`'s periodic save is a scheduled job, and it cannot fork either |
+
+The board looks healthy from the outside and cannot be logged into. Only a
+power cycle clears it. If you are here because SSH stopped working, also see
+[SSH_UNAVAILABLE_AFTER_INSTALL.md](SSH_UNAVAILABLE_AFTER_INSTALL.md), which
+covers the more common cause (AP mode).
+
+## Check your headroom
+
+```bash
+free -m
+ps -eo rss,comm --sort=-rss | head -5
+```
+
+If `MemAvailable` is under ~150 MB while the display is running, you are close
+to the edge. To watch it over time:
+
+```bash
+watch -n 30 'free -m | head -2'
+```
+
+Available memory that falls steadily rather than holding flat means you will
+reach the wall; it is a question of when.
+
+## What to do
+
+**1. Enable the memory cgroup controller.** Without it, the `MemoryMax=85%` in
+`systemd/ledmatrix.service` is accepted by systemd and silently ignored, so the
+service has no ceiling and a runaway takes the whole board down instead of just
+restarting. Raspberry Pi firmware disables this controller by default.
+
+`first_time_install.sh` does this for you. To check it took effect:
+
+```bash
+grep memory /sys/fs/cgroup/cgroup.controllers
+```
+
+If that prints nothing, add `cgroup_enable=memory cgroup_memory=1` to the
+kernel command line and reboot. Edit whichever file your image uses —
+`/boot/firmware/cmdline.txt` on current Raspberry Pi OS, `/boot/cmdline.txt` on
+older layouts (the installer checks the first and falls back to the second).
+Everything must stay on a single line.
+
+This changes the failure mode from "the board becomes unreachable" to "the
+display service restarts". It is a safety net, not a fix.
+
+**2. Run fewer plugins.** This is the actual remedy. Every enabled plugin costs
+memory permanently — its module, its parsed config, and its cached API
+responses. On a 512 MB or 1 GB board, keep the enabled set small and prefer
+plugins that poll infrequently.
+
+**3. Lower the cache ceiling.** The in-memory cache is sized from total RAM
+(150 entries at 1 GB and below, up to 1500 at 8 GB). To go lower still:
+
+```ini
+# /etc/systemd/system/ledmatrix.service.d/override.conf
+[Service]
+Environment=LEDMATRIX_CACHE_MAX_ENTRIES=75
+```
+
+Writing the file does not change the running service. Reload systemd and
+restart it:
+
+```bash
+sudo systemctl daemon-reload
+sudo systemctl restart ledmatrix
+```
+
+Fewer entries means more API calls, so lower this only while you are actually
+short of memory.
+
+**4. Consider `MemoryHigh`.** `MemoryMax` kills and restarts. `MemoryHigh`
+throttles and reclaims instead, which is gentler — but on a board where the
+process genuinely wants more than the limit, sustained reclaim can stall the
+render loop and show as visible stutter on the panel. Add it only if you prefer
+degraded output to a restart:
+
+```ini
+[Service]
+MemoryHigh=70%
+```
+
+## Keep your logs
+
+These images default to volatile journald storage, so every reboot destroys the
+logs — including the ones explaining why the board rebooted. `first_time_install.sh`
+enables persistent storage capped at 64 MB. To confirm:
+
+```bash
+journalctl --list-boots
+```
+
+More than one boot listed means logs are surviving reboots. If only one is
+listed, journald is still writing to `/run` (tmpfs).

docs/MIGRATION_GUIDE.md

@@ -19,7 +19,6 @@ All installation scripts have been moved from the project root to `scripts/insta
 | `install_wifi_monitor.sh` | `scripts/install/install_wifi_monitor.sh` |
 | `setup_cache.sh` | `scripts/install/setup_cache.sh` |
 | `configure_web_sudo.sh` | `scripts/install/configure_web_sudo.sh` |
-| `migrate_config.sh` | `scripts/install/migrate_config.sh` |
 
 #### Permission Fix Scripts
 
@@ -59,9 +58,12 @@ sudo ./scripts/install/install_service.sh
 After updating your scripts, verify they still work:
 
 ```bash
-# Test installation scripts (if needed)
+# Check the installation scripts are at their new paths
 ls scripts/install/*.sh
-sudo ./scripts/install/install_service.sh --help
+./scripts/install/install_service.sh --help   # prints usage only
+# Note: running install_service.sh for real (with sudo, no --help)
+# reinstalls, enables and restarts ledmatrix.service, ledmatrix-web.service
+# and the update-verify units.
 
 # Test permission scripts
 ls scripts/fix_perms/*.sh
@@ -86,7 +88,7 @@ The plugin system has been enhanced but remains backward compatible with existin
 
 If you encounter issues during migration:
 
-1. Check the [README.md](README.md) for current installation and usage instructions
+1. Check the [project root README](../README.md) for current installation and usage instructions
 2. Review script README files:
    - [`scripts/install/README.md`](../scripts/install/README.md) - Installation scripts documentation
    - [`scripts/fix_perms/README.md`](../scripts/fix_perms/README.md) - Permission scripts documentation

docs/MULTI_ROOT_WORKSPACE_SETUP.md

@@ -1,169 +1,149 @@
 # Multi-Root Workspace Setup Guide
 
-This document explains how the LEDMatrix project uses a multi-root workspace to manage plugins as separate Git repositories.
+This document explains how to work on LEDMatrix and the official plugins side
+by side, with one editor workspace and the plugins loaded straight from your
+plugin checkout.
 
 ## Overview
 
-The LEDMatrix project has been migrated from a git submodule implementation to a **multi-root workspace** implementation for managing plugins. This allows:
+Official plugins live in a single repository,
+[ledmatrix-plugins](https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-plugins), with one
+directory per plugin under `plugins/`. There are no separate per-plugin
+repositories. For development you clone that monorepo **next to** LEDMatrix
+and symlink the plugin directories you are working on into LEDMatrix's
+`plugins/` directory with `scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh`.
 
-- ✅ Plugins to exist as independent Git repositories
-- ✅ Updates to plugins without modifying the LEDMatrix project
-- ✅ Easy development workflow with all repos in one workspace
-- ✅ Plugin system discovers plugins via symlinks in `plugin-repos/`
+- ✅ Plugin code stays in the monorepo checkout, with its own git history
+- ✅ LEDMatrix discovers the plugins through symlinks in `plugins/`
+  (git-ignored), so the production `plugin-repos/` directory is untouched
+- ✅ `LEDMatrix.code-workspace` opens both repositories in VS Code/Cursor
 
 ## Directory Structure
 
 ```text
-/home/chuck/Github/
-├── LEDMatrix/                    # Main project
-│   ├── plugin-repos/             # Symlinks to actual repos (managed automatically)
-│   │   ├── ledmatrix-clock-simple -> ../../ledmatrix-clock-simple
-│   │   ├── ledmatrix-weather -> ../../ledmatrix-weather
+~/Github/
+├── LEDMatrix/                        # Main project
+│   ├── plugins/                      # Dev plugin directory (git-ignored)
+│   │   ├── clock-simple -> ~/Github/ledmatrix-plugins/plugins/clock-simple
+│   │   ├── ledmatrix-weather -> ~/Github/ledmatrix-plugins/plugins/ledmatrix-weather
 │   │   └── ...
-│   ├── LEDMatrix.code-workspace  # Multi-root workspace configuration
+│   ├── plugin-repos/                 # Default (Plugin Store) plugin directory
+│   ├── LEDMatrix.code-workspace      # Opens LEDMatrix and ../ledmatrix-plugins
 │   └── ...
-├── ledmatrix-clock-simple/       # Plugin repository (actual git repo)
-├── ledmatrix-weather/            # Plugin repository (actual git repo)
-├── ledmatrix-football-scoreboard/ # Plugin repository (actual git repo)
-└── ...                           # Other plugin repos
+└── ledmatrix-plugins/                # Plugin monorepo (git repo)
+    ├── plugins/
+    │   ├── clock-simple/
+    │   ├── ledmatrix-weather/
+    │   └── ...
+    ├── plugins.json                  # Store registry
+    └── update_registry.py
 ```
 
 ## How It Works
 
-### 1. Plugin Repositories
+### 1. The plugin monorepo
 
-All plugin repositories are cloned to `/home/chuck/Github/` (parent directory of LEDMatrix) as regular Git repositories:
-
-- `ledmatrix-clock-simple/`
-- `ledmatrix-weather/`
-- `ledmatrix-football-scoreboard/`
-- etc.
-
-### 2. Symlinks in plugin-repos/
-
-The `LEDMatrix/plugin-repos/` directory contains symlinks pointing to the actual repositories in the parent directory. This allows the plugin system to discover plugins without modifying the project structure.
-
-### 3. Multi-Root Workspace
-
-The `LEDMatrix.code-workspace` file configures VS Code/Cursor to open all plugin repositories as separate workspace roots, allowing easy development across all repos.
-
-## Setup Scripts
-
-### Initial Setup
-
-If you already have plugin repositories cloned, use the setup script:
+Clone ledmatrix-plugins into the same parent directory as LEDMatrix (the
+workspace file and `scripts/update_plugin_repos.py` look for
+`../ledmatrix-plugins` relative to the LEDMatrix root):
 
 ```bash
-cd /home/chuck/Github/LEDMatrix
-python3 scripts/setup_plugin_repos.py
+cd ~/Github
+git clone https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-plugins.git
 ```
 
-This script:
-- Reads the workspace configuration
-- Creates symlinks in `plugin-repos/` pointing to actual repos
-- Verifies all links are created correctly
+### 2. Symlinks in plugins/
+
+`scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link <name> <path>` creates
+`LEDMatrix/plugins/<name>` as a symlink to a plugin directory. Use the
+plugin's manifest `id` as the name: that is the name the loader and
+`config.json` use, and the script warns when the two differ.
+
+### 3. Multi-root workspace
+
+`LEDMatrix.code-workspace` has two roots: LEDMatrix itself and
+`../ledmatrix-plugins`.
+
+## Setup
+
+### Link plugins
+
+```bash
+cd ~/Github/LEDMatrix
+./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link clock-simple ../ledmatrix-plugins/plugins/clock-simple
+./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh list      # show what is linked
+```
+
+If a real (non-symlink) directory of the same name already exists in
+`plugins/`, the script offers to back it up and replace it.
+
+Without a sibling checkout, `./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link-github
+<name>` clones the monorepo into `~/.ledmatrix-dev-plugins/` instead and links
+the plugin from there. See the
+[Plugin Development Guide](PLUGIN_DEVELOPMENT_GUIDE.md).
 
 ### Updating Plugins
 
-To update all plugin repositories:
-
 ```bash
-cd /home/chuck/Github/LEDMatrix
-python3 scripts/update_plugin_repos.py
+cd ~/Github/LEDMatrix
+python3 scripts/update_plugin_repos.py      # git pull in ../ledmatrix-plugins
+# or
+./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh update    # git pull in every linked checkout
 ```
 
-This script:
-- Finds all plugins in the workspace
-- Runs `git pull` on each repository
-- Reports which plugins were updated
+The symlinks pick up the new code; restart the display to load it.
 
 ## Configuration
 
-The plugin system is configured in `config/config.json`:
+The loader scans only `plugin_system.plugins_directory` in
+`config/config.json` (default `plugin-repos`). Point it at `plugins` so it
+finds the links:
 
 ```json
 {
   "plugin_system": {
-    "plugins_directory": "plugin-repos",
-    "auto_discover": true,
-    "auto_load_enabled": true
+    "plugins_directory": "plugins"
   }
 }
 ```
 
-The `plugins_directory` points to `plugin-repos/`, which contains symlinks to the actual repositories.
-
 ## Workflow
 
 ### Daily Development
 
 1. **Open Workspace**: Open `LEDMatrix.code-workspace` in VS Code/Cursor
-2. **All Repos Available**: All plugin repos appear as separate folders in the workspace
-3. **Edit Plugins**: Edit plugin code directly in their repositories
-4. **Update Plugins**: Run `update_plugin_repos.py` to pull latest changes
+2. **Edit Plugins**: Edit code under `ledmatrix-plugins/plugins/<plugin>/`
+3. **Test**: `python3 run.py -e` (emulator) or
+   `python3 scripts/check_plugin.py --plugin <id>` from LEDMatrix
+4. **Ship**: Bump `version` in the plugin's `manifest.json`, run
+   `python update_registry.py` in ledmatrix-plugins, commit there
 
 ### Adding New Plugins
 
-1. **Clone Repository**: Clone the new plugin repo to `/home/chuck/Github/`
-2. **Add to Workspace**: Add the plugin folder to `LEDMatrix.code-workspace`
-3. **Create Symlink**: Run `setup_plugin_repos.py` to create the symlink
-
-### Updating Individual Plugins
-
-Since plugins are regular Git repositories, you can update them individually:
-
-```bash
-cd /home/chuck/Github/ledmatrix-weather
-git pull origin master
-```
-
-Or update all at once:
-
-```bash
-cd /home/chuck/Github/LEDMatrix
-python3 scripts/update_plugin_repos.py
-```
-
-## Benefits
-
-1. **No Submodule Hassle**: No need to update `.gitmodules` or run `git submodule update`
-2. **Independent Updates**: Update plugins independently without touching LEDMatrix
-3. **Clean Separation**: Each plugin is a separate repository with its own history
-4. **Easy Development**: Multi-root workspace makes it easy to work across repos
-5. **Automatic Discovery**: Plugin system automatically discovers plugins via symlinks
+1. Create `plugins/<your-plugin-id>/` in the monorepo checkout
+2. Link it: `./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link <your-plugin-id> ../ledmatrix-plugins/plugins/<your-plugin-id>`
 
 ## Troubleshooting
 
-### Symlinks Not Working
-
-If plugins aren't being discovered:
+### Plugins not discovered
 
 ```bash
-cd /home/chuck/Github/LEDMatrix
-python3 scripts/setup_plugin_repos.py
+cd ~/Github/LEDMatrix
+ls -la plugins/                           # links present and not broken?
+./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh status  # link targets and git state
 ```
 
-This will recreate all symlinks.
+Also check that `plugin_system.plugins_directory` is `plugins`.
 
-### Missing Plugins
+### Plugin updates not showing
 
-If a plugin is in the workspace but not found:
-
-1. Check if the repo exists in `/home/chuck/Github/`
-2. Check if the symlink exists in `plugin-repos/`
-3. Run `setup_plugin_repos.py` to recreate symlinks
-
-### Plugin Updates Not Showing
-
-If changes to plugins aren't appearing:
-
-1. Verify the symlink points to the correct directory: `ls -la plugin-repos/ledmatrix-weather`
-2. Check that you're editing in the actual repo, not a copy
-3. Restart the LEDMatrix service if running
+1. Verify the link target: `ls -la plugins/<id>`
+2. Check that you're editing the monorepo checkout, not a store-installed copy
+3. Restart the LEDMatrix service (or `run.py`)
 
 ## Notes
 
-- The `plugin-repos/` directory is tracked in git, but only contains symlinks
-- Actual plugin code lives in `/home/chuck/Github/ledmatrix-*/`
-- Each plugin repo can be updated independently via `git pull`
-- The LEDMatrix project doesn't need to be updated when plugins change
+- `plugins/` is git-ignored (except `plugins/.gitkeep`); the symlinks are
+  never committed.
+- When changing a plugin in the monorepo, bump its manifest `version` and run
+  `python update_registry.py`, or users won't receive the update.

docs/OFFSCREEN_RENDERING.md

@@ -0,0 +1,388 @@
+# Offscreen Rendering
+
+**Status (2026-09-24):** step 1, offscreen rendering, is implemented
+(`DisplayManager.offscreen()`, the adapter on the prefetch thread, the plugin
+lock). Steps 2 and 3 are proposed. When all three land, this file becomes the
+reference for how plugin content is rendered off the render thread.
+
+First soak of step 1 on hdpi (50 px/s, `pwm_bits` 7, preview open, 8-minute
+runs, A/B/B/A):
+
+| build | late | by 1 | 2 | 3–5 | 6+ | freezes | render-thread fetches |
+|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
+| #628 | 0.53% | 82 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 6 |
+| step 1 | 0.63% | 78 | 63 | 17 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
+| step 1 | 0.42% | 77 | 23 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
+| #628 | 0.37% | 84 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 14 |
+
+It does what it was built to: no plugin is fetched on the render thread, and
+freezes fell from 5 to 1. But frames 2–5 refreshes late rose. The rendering
+moved to the prefetch thread still needs the GIL, and the render thread waits
+for it (risk 5 below). The late rate did not improve overall. The 1–2 s
+freezes appear in both builds and have a separate, not yet identified cause.
+
+The GIL fix, measured on hdpi (90 px/s, `pwm_bits` 8, preview open, 8-minute
+runs after a 2-minute warm-up, order A B C C B A, 2026-09-24). Each arm pools
+two runs, about 81,000 frames:
+
+| arm | late | by 1 | 2 | 3–5 | 6+ | 2+ late per 10k frames | freezes |
+|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
+| A: step 1 as is | 0.90% | 575 | 64 | 91 | 9 | 20.1 | 0 |
+| B: `switch_interval_ms` 1 | 0.78% | 510 | 105 | 23 | 2 | 15.8 | 0 |
+| C: `prefetch_gate` | **0.60%** | 471 | 11 | 7 | 2 | **2.5** | 0 |
+
+The gate removes the frames the render thread spent waiting for the GIL, and
+it costs the prefetch nothing that shows: it parked the thread for 3–6 s per
+run, and the next group was ready at every strip extension in every arm.
+`prefetch_gate` is therefore on by default; `switch_interval_ms` stays an
+off-by-default experiment. What is left is almost all one refresh late, which
+is the per-frame budget (a 6.75 ms p50 blit in a refresh the panel holds at
+83–85 Hz while rendering), not contention.
+
+The runs restart the service, so the hourly sports refresh never fell inside
+one. That refresh is its own case: about twenty ESPN chunk-fetch threads at
+once, which the gate does not cover (it gates only the prefetch thread).
+
+## The problem
+
+Vegas mode builds its ticker from every plugin's content. Most of that work
+already happens on a background prefetch thread
+(`RenderPipeline.start_prefetch`). But any plugin whose content needs the
+**shared display canvas** is deferred to the render thread
+(`RenderPipeline.drain_deferred`), one plugin every two seconds. The code's
+own comments put each of those at 40–600 ms, and the render thread presents no
+frames while one runs.
+
+On hdpi (Pi 4, 512×64) most plugins take that path: geochron, tide-display,
+news, hockey-scoreboard, ledmatrix-stocks, incoming-packages, clock-simple,
+countdown, birdnet-go, ledmatrix-music and odds-ticker. They arrive in bursts
+("Whole group deferred; strip will extend as it drains") every minute or so,
+12 fetches in five minutes. That is the "occasional pause" a viewer sees.
+
+An 8-minute soak (`scripts/frame_soak.py --preview`) of the #628 build on
+hdpi:
+
+| late by | frames |
+|---|---|
+| 1 refresh | 238 |
+| 2 | 32 |
+| 3–5 | 30 |
+| 6+ | 5 |
+| freezes ≥ 250 ms | 2 (0.97 s total) |
+
+The 3+ rows and the freezes are the pauses. The single-refresh row is a
+separate problem: the blit is 6 ms of a 10 ms refresh, so there is little
+slack. It is covered under *What this does not fix*.
+
+## Why a plugin is canvas-bound
+
+The plugin-facing canvas is a set of shared attributes on `DisplayManager`:
+`image`, `draw`, `matrix`, and the `width`/`height` properties that read from
+`matrix`. Three adapter paths (`src/vegas_mode/plugin_adapter.py`) need them,
+and each returns `None` under `offscreen_only=True` so the plugin is queued for
+the render thread:
+
+1. **Display capture** (`_capture_display_content`): clear the canvas, call
+   `plugin.display()`, copy `display_manager.image`. Used by any plugin
+   without `get_vegas_content()` or a populated `scroll_helper`.
+2. **Scroll-content generation** (`_trigger_scroll_content_generation`): a
+   ticker plugin whose `scroll_helper.cached_image` is empty is made to build
+   it by calling `display(force_clear=True)` or `_create_scrolling_display()`.
+   Both draw on the canvas.
+3. **Narrowed rendering** (`DisplayManager.render_size`): swaps the shared
+   `matrix`, `image` and `draw` for a narrower set so the plugin lays out for
+   `render_width_pct`. The render thread would see the swap mid-frame.
+
+The render thread keeps the canvas coherent only because nothing else touches
+it at the same time. A background thread can't use it.
+
+## The design: a per-thread render target
+
+`capture_mode()` is already per-thread (#423 made its state a
+`threading.local`, so a background capture no longer suppresses the render
+loop's pushes). The same move applies to the canvas itself:
+
+```python
+with display_manager.offscreen(width=None, height=None) as surface:
+    plugin.display(force_clear=True)
+    content = surface.image.copy()
+```
+
+For the **calling thread only**, inside the block:
+
+| accessor | resolves to |
+|---|---|
+| `display_manager.image`, `.draw` | the surface's own image and draw: a fresh black canvas, `fontmode = "1"` |
+| `display_manager.matrix` | a logical proxy reporting the surface size, so `width`/`height` and plugins that read `matrix.width` follow it. Hardware calls through it (`SetImage`, `SwapOnVSync`, `Clear`, brightness writes) are inert. |
+| `update_display()`, `clear()` | canvas-only: the block implies capture mode, which is already per-thread |
+| `set_scrolling_state()`, `set_frame_hold()` | no-ops, so a plugin's `display()` cannot re-pace the live scroll. Today it can, when it is captured on the render thread. |
+
+Every other thread sees the real canvas, unchanged. The render loop in
+particular keeps presenting while a plugin draws elsewhere.
+
+### Implementation sketch
+
+- `image`, `draw` and `matrix` become properties over `_image`, `_draw` and
+  `_matrix`, plus a thread-local current surface. The getter returns the
+  surface's value when the calling thread has one, else the shared one; setters
+  mirror that. That costs about 0.1 µs per access, and `update_display()` reads
+  each a handful of times per frame. Every existing `self.image = ...` in
+  `DisplayManager` (`clear()`, setup, fallback) keeps working and becomes
+  thread-correct for free.
+- `render_size()` is rebuilt on `offscreen()`: it creates or narrows the
+  calling thread's surface instead of swapping shared state.
+- `offscreen()` nests and always restores on exit, including when the plugin
+  raises.
+- `VisualDisplayManager` (the plugin test harness) gets the same method, for
+  parity.
+
+### Adapter changes
+
+- `get_content(offscreen_only=True)` stops returning `None` for the three
+  paths above. Each runs inside `display_manager.offscreen(render_width)`.
+- `_capture_display_content` and `_trigger_scroll_content_generation` drop
+  their "copy the shared image, restore it afterwards" bookkeeping, since the
+  shared image is never touched.
+- **Take the plugin's lock.** `PluginManager.get_plugin_lock()` keeps
+  `update()` and `display()` mutually exclusive in normal rotation, but Vegas
+  never takes it, so today's render-thread captures already race
+  `update()`. Off the render thread the adapter can afford to wait: blocking
+  acquire with a timeout (proposed 2 s). On timeout it keeps the cached segment
+  and tries again next group.
+- `drain_deferred()` and the deferred queue are deleted. The only render-thread
+  fetch left is the inline fallback when no prepared group is ready, which in
+  practice is the first extension. Prefetching at start removes that too.
+
+## Keeping live content fresh
+
+Offscreen rendering is also what makes fresh sports scores possible. Today a
+plugin's segment is drawn when its group is prefetched, and the strip carries
+7,000–10,000 px of content ahead of the viewport (hdpi logs: "7153px still
+ahead", "9842px ahead"). At ~100 px/s, a score drawn now reaches the screen
+70–100 seconds later. When a plugin reports new data, Vegas only drops its
+cache (`invalidate_pending_updates`), so the change is drawn on the plugin's
+*next* turn, several minutes later. A segment already in the strip scrolls by
+with the data it was drawn with.
+
+That was the right trade while every redraw of a canvas-bound plugin stalled
+the scroll. Off the render thread a redraw costs the scroll nothing, so the
+strip can afford three things.
+
+### 1. Refresh at the gate
+
+Before a segment enters the viewport, check whether its plugin has updated
+since the segment was drawn. If it has, redraw it offscreen and replace it
+while it is still out of sight. Width changes are fine here, because
+everything from that segment onward is still invisible.
+
+The gate sits `lead` pixels ahead of the viewport's right edge:
+`lead = max(one screen, speed × (render time + margin))`. The render time is
+the plugin's own, measured on each render (sports cards take the longest,
+hundreds of ms up to seconds per the prefetch notes). A plugin whose render
+does not finish before its segment reaches the viewport keeps the old segment.
+The scroll never waits for it.
+
+Content is then at most `lead / speed` seconds old when it appears, a few
+seconds instead of minutes, without changing how far ahead the rotation
+fetches.
+
+### 2. Replace ahead of the screen
+
+When a plugin reports new data (the Vegas update tick already names them), any
+of its segments that are **anywhere ahead of the viewport** are redrawn and
+replaced straight away, not only at the gate. That covers the long stretch of
+strip between prefetch and the gate.
+
+### 3. Update on screen
+
+A segment that is already **visible** is patched in place when the redrawn
+version has the same geometry: the same total width, and the same width for
+each card (a sports plugin returns one image per game, joined with
+`intra_plugin_gap`). Scoreboard cards keep a fixed layout, so a score change
+patches in and the digits update as the card scrolls past. The patch is a
+pixel copy of one card (a 150×64 card is ~29 KB) applied by the render thread
+between frames, so a frame never shows half of a patch.
+
+When the geometry differs (a game added or dropped, a card that grew), the
+visible part cannot change without a jump. Only the cards not yet on screen
+are replaced, and only if the geometry up to that point is unchanged. Otherwise
+the segment keeps its snapshot until it has scrolled off.
+
+### Avoiding wasted work
+
+- **Change detection.** `run_scheduled_updates_with_changes()` names a plugin
+  whenever its `update()` ran, not when its data changed. On hdpi
+  `clock-simple` and `ledmatrix-music` are named on every 4-second tick. A
+  redraw whose pixels hash the same as the segment's is discarded without a
+  swap.
+- **Redraw on real updates only.** Vegas makes no API calls. Each plugin
+  fetches on its own schedule, and a redraw is triggered only when the
+  plugin's `update()` has run since its segment was drawn. On hdpi live
+  football, baseball and hockey poll every 30 s (live odds every 60 s,
+  everything else hourly), so a live sports card is redrawn once per poll.
+- **Floor.** A plugin is redrawn at most once per
+  `vegas_scroll.refresh_min_interval` (proposed 10 s), and never while its
+  previous redraw is still running. The floor never holds back a sports card
+  polling every 30 s. It exists for chatty plugins: `clock-simple` updates
+  every second and `ledmatrix-music` polls every 2 s.
+- **One worker.** Redraws go through the same background worker as prefetch,
+  one plugin at a time at `nice 10`, under the plugin's lock.
+
+Data freshness is still bounded by each plugin's own fetch interval (how often
+it polls live scores). Drawing faster cannot beat the data source.
+
+### The strip becomes a list of segments
+
+All three need the strip to be replaceable by segment. Today it is one
+image (`ScrollHelper.cached_array`, 8,000–20,000 px wide, 1.5–3.8 MB), and
+`append_content()` rebuilds the whole thing on the render thread for every
+appended block. That is also a pause source.
+
+Proposed `SegmentStrip`, used by Vegas in place of the single image:
+
+- an ordered list of segments: plugin id, card boundaries, a pixel array, the
+  render time, and the plugin data version it was drawn from, plus its
+  x-offset in the strip;
+- `visible(x, width)` assembles the viewport by slicing across at most a few
+  segments: the same ~100 KB copy per frame that slicing the single image
+  costs today;
+- append and trim become O(block) list operations, not a copy of the strip;
+- replace swaps one list entry and shifts the offsets of the segments after it
+  (dozens at most). A same-geometry patch copies pixels into the existing array.
+
+Every mutation is prepared off the render thread and applied by the render
+thread at a frame boundary, so the strip the render loop reads is never
+half-changed.
+
+### Multi-display sync
+
+The follower renders from its own copy of the strip, offset from the leader's
+scroll position. Today the leader sends that copy whole, and only in
+`start_new_cycle()` (`send_scroll_image`), plus the scroll position every
+frame. Continuous scroll, the default, extends and trims the strip without
+starting a new cycle, and nothing sends those changes. From reading the code,
+the follower therefore probably falls out of step after the first extension
+already, before any of this design. That is untested; it needs a two-Pi rig.
+
+With a segment strip, keeping the follower identical becomes **replaying the
+leader's operations**:
+
+- Every strip mutation (append, trim, replace, patch) is one operation in
+  strip coordinates. The leader applies it and sends the same operation to the
+  follower over the existing TCP channel. Segments are small: a card is ~29 KB
+  raw and compresses well.
+- Operations on off-screen segments apply on arrival. A patch to a segment
+  that is on either panel carries an *apply at scroll position X* stamp a
+  couple of hundred milliseconds ahead. Both sides apply it when their scroll
+  position passes X, so both panels change on the same frame, within the
+  existing position-sync jitter.
+- Each operation carries a sequence number. A follower that sees a gap (a
+  reconnect, a dropped message) asks for a full snapshot, which is today's
+  `send_scroll_image` path.
+
+That also fixes the probable continuous-mode gap as a side effect, since
+appends and trims become operations too. Until it is in place, fresh-content
+updates are disabled while sync is active.
+
+## Risks, and what was checked
+
+1. **Plugins holding their own reference to the shared `draw` or `image`.**
+   They would keep drawing into the shared canvas, and routing by thread can't
+   redirect them. A grep of the 49 plugins installed on hdpi found none storing
+   `display_manager.draw` or `.image` in an attribute (a pattern search, so
+   indirect aliasing would slip past it). A plugin that did would
+   draw into an image nobody displays, which trims to a blank segment. That is
+   not corruption, and it is no worse than today.
+2. **Plugins calling the matrix directly.** None in the audit. Inside
+   `offscreen()` the proxy makes it inert anyway.
+3. **Font thread-safety.** `FontManager` shares font objects across plugins.
+   Measured on Pillow 12.3, two threads rendering text take 1.94× as long as
+   one, so text rendering holds the GIL and FreeType is never entered
+   concurrently. Re-check if Pillow changes that.
+4. **Plugin thread-safety.** `display()` moves to the prefetch thread. The
+   plugin lock makes it exclusive with `update()`, which is more protection
+   than it has today. Threads a plugin starts itself are not covered, as today.
+5. **The GIL.** Moving 40–600 ms of plugin rendering off the render thread
+   removes the pauses, but the work still needs the GIL. Pillow drawing holds
+   it, and a waiting thread only gets it back after the switch interval
+   (default 5 ms). Expect some single-refresh late frames while a prefetch
+   runs. Measure with the soak. A render process separate from plugin work
+   is the structural answer (the "native presenter" step). Two experiments
+   get most of the way first (results under Status, above):
+   - `vegas_scroll.switch_interval_ms` lowers the switch interval for a Vegas
+     run (1 ms is the obvious try), so the render thread waits at most that
+     long behind bytecode. It does nothing for a C call that keeps the GIL.
+   - `vegas_scroll.prefetch_gate` (`src/common/render_gate.py`) lets the
+     prefetch thread run Python only while the render thread is blocked in
+     `SwapOnVSync`, up to just before the refresh the swap returns on, and
+     parks it the rest of the time. That covers C calls too, since the gate is
+     checked before each one starts. It never parks the thread while it holds
+     a lock the render thread takes, and never for more than 50 ms. It needs
+     the rebuilt binding, which releases the GIL during the swap. On by
+     default.
+
+## What this does not fix
+
+- **The blit.** Copying a 512×64 frame into the matrix (`SetImage`) is ~6 ms at
+  8 PWM bits on a Pi 4, leaving ~4 ms of slack per refresh. That is the main
+  source of the single-refresh late frames. Holding frames for two refreshes
+  (≈50 px/s) doubles the budget. Cutting the blit itself is the native-presenter
+  step.
+- **Live refreshes pushed from `update()`.** Some sports plugins call
+  `display()` and `update_display()` from inside `update()`, which runs on the
+  update worker and can push to the panel mid-Vegas. That is a separate
+  hazard. `offscreen()` gives a tool for it (run the update worker offscreen
+  while Vegas owns the panel), but it is out of scope here.
+
+## Test plan
+
+- **Unit, `DisplayManager`:** one thread inside `offscreen()` draws while
+  another reads `image`/`draw`/`matrix`/`width`/`height` and sees the real
+  canvas. Also: `update_display()` and `set_scrolling_state()` are inert inside;
+  `render_size()` narrows only the calling thread; nesting and exceptions
+  restore state.
+- **Unit, adapter:** a stub display-capture plugin and a stub scroll-helper
+  plugin both return content with `offscreen_only=True`, and nothing is queued
+  for the render thread. The plugin lock is taken, and a timeout keeps the cached
+  segment.
+- **Emulator integration:** a stub canvas-bound plugin whose `display()` sleeps
+  300 ms. The Vegas render loop never goes a frame without presenting (frame
+  timing recorder: zero freezes).
+- **Unit, `SegmentStrip`:** the viewport assembled across segment boundaries
+  matches slicing one concatenated image, pixel for pixel. Append, trim,
+  replace-ahead and same-geometry patch each leave every other column
+  unchanged. A geometry-changing patch of a visible segment is refused.
+- **Freshness:** a stub sports plugin whose score changes every second. The
+  score on screen is never older than `lead / speed` plus the plugin's fetch
+  interval. A visible card's digits change without the frame-timing recorder
+  seeing a late frame. An unchanged redraw is discarded.
+- **Hardware:** an hdpi soak, A/B against the #628 build, alternating order.
+  Targets: no freezes, an empty 6+ bucket, the 3–5 bucket near zero, and the late
+  rate below 0.66%. Plus, for freshness: log each segment's age when it enters
+  the viewport, and compare the median and max before and after.
+
+## Rollout
+
+Three changes, each soaked on hdpi before the next:
+
+1. **Offscreen rendering:** `offscreen()`, the adapter on the prefetch thread,
+   and the plugin lock. Removes the render-thread pauses.
+2. **`SegmentStrip`:** Vegas's strip becomes a list of segments. Removes the
+   whole-strip copy on append. No visible behaviour change.
+3. **Fresh content:** refresh at the gate, replace ahead, patch on screen,
+   with change detection and the rate limit.
+
+`display.vegas_scroll.offscreen_prefetch` (default `true`) restores today's
+deferred path when `false`, and `display.vegas_scroll.live_refresh` (default
+`true`) turns off step 3. Keep both for one release, then delete the old paths.
+
+## Open questions
+
+1. Keep the kill switch, or ship without one?
+2. Plugin lock timeout: skip the plugin and keep its cached segment (proposed),
+   or wait longer?
+3. `refresh_min_interval`: 10 s proposed. It only limits chatty plugins;
+   live sports are redrawn once per 30 s poll regardless.
+4. Multi-display sync: is there a two-Pi rig to test on? Operation replay is
+   proposed as part of the segment strip (step 2), with fresh content
+   disabled under sync until it has been verified on real hardware.

docs/PERMISSIONS.md

@@ -0,0 +1,154 @@
+# Permissions
+
+Who owns what on an installed system, which privileged commands the web
+interface may run, and how to repair ownership when it goes wrong. The
+installer, [`first_time_install.sh`](../first_time_install.sh), sets all of
+this up; this page describes the result.
+
+## Users and groups
+
+| Account | Used by | Why |
+|---|---|---|
+| `root` | `ledmatrix.service` (the display) | The LED matrix library needs direct GPIO access |
+| The installing user (e.g. `ledpi`) | `ledmatrix-web.service`, `ledmatrix-update-verify.service` | A web server should not run as root |
+| `ledmatrix` group | shared files | Members: the installing user, `root`, and `daemon` if it exists. Created by [`setup_cache.sh`](../scripts/install/setup_cache.sh) and the installer |
+
+The installer also adds the web user to `systemd-journal` and `adm` so the
+**Logs** tab can read the journal. Group changes apply after the user logs
+in again (services pick them up on restart).
+
+## Files and directories
+
+| Path | Owner | Mode | Notes |
+|---|---|---|---|
+| Project directory | web user | dirs `755`, files `644`, `*.sh` `755` | Set in the installer's "Normalize project file permissions" step |
+| `config/` | web user | `2775` | |
+| `config/config.json` | web user | `644` | Written by the web interface |
+| `config/config_secrets.json` | web user : `ledmatrix` | `640` | Owned by the web user because the web interface writes it; root reads it regardless of mode |
+| `plugin-repos/`, `plugins/` | web user | dirs `2775`, files `664` | The web interface installs and removes plugins |
+| `assets/` | web user | dirs `755`, files `644` | Root writes downloaded logos regardless |
+| `/var/cache/ledmatrix/` | `root:ledmatrix` | `2775` (setgid) | Shared cache: see below |
+| Cache files | creator : `ledmatrix` | `660` | |
+| `scripts/fix_perms/safe_plugin_rm.sh`, `safe_pip_install.sh` | `root:root` | `755` | Run as root through sudo, so the web user must not be able to edit them |
+| `/etc/sudoers.d/ledmatrix_web`, `ledmatrix_wifi` | `root` | `440` | |
+
+What keeps it that way at runtime:
+
+- **Config files.** Saves go through
+  [`src/config_manager_atomic.py`](../src/config_manager_atomic.py), which
+  applies `get_config_file_mode()` (`640` for secrets, `644` otherwise) and,
+  when running as root, moves the file's group to the project directory's
+  group (`ensure_shared_group_ownership()` in
+  [`src/common/permission_utils.py`](../src/common/permission_utils.py)).
+- **Cache files.** [`src/cache/disk_cache.py`](../src/cache/disk_cache.py)
+  sets every file it writes to `0660` and gives it the cache directory's
+  group, without relying on the setgid bit. So a file root writes stays
+  readable by the web user.
+- **Plugin directories.** [`run.py`](../run.py) sets
+  `sys.dont_write_bytecode`, because root-owned `__pycache__` directories
+  inside a plugin stop the web user updating or removing it.
+
+`ledmatrix-web.service` deliberately has no `CacheDirectory=`: systemd would
+re-own `/var/cache/ledmatrix` to the web user and its primary group, and the
+web interface could no longer read what the display writes (see the comment
+in [`systemd/ledmatrix-web.service`](../systemd/ledmatrix-web.service)).
+
+If `/var/cache/ledmatrix` is not usable, `CacheManager` falls back to
+`~/.ledmatrix_cache`, `/opt/ledmatrix/cache` or a temp directory
+([`src/cache_manager.py`](../src/cache_manager.py)). The two services then
+may not share a cache, and the web UI shows stale or empty display status,
+on-demand state and plugin health. Fix the directory rather than living
+with the fallback.
+
+## sudo rules
+
+### `/etc/sudoers.d/ledmatrix_web`
+
+Generated by `web_sudoers_rules()` in
+[`scripts/install/lib_sudoers.sh`](../scripts/install/lib_sudoers.sh), the
+only place these rules are defined. Installed by the installer and by
+[`configure_web_sudo.sh`](../scripts/install/configure_web_sudo.sh), both of
+which check them with `visudo -c` first. The web user may run, without a
+password:
+
+- `reboot`, `poweroff`
+- `systemctl start|stop|restart|enable|disable|status ledmatrix.service`,
+  `systemctl is-active ledmatrix[.service]`
+- `systemctl start|stop|restart ledmatrix-web.service`
+- `bash <project>/scripts/fix_perms/safe_plugin_rm.sh *` — removes a
+  directory only if it resolves to a child of `plugin-repos/` or `plugins/`
+- `bash <project>/scripts/fix_perms/safe_pip_install.sh *` — installs a
+  `requirements.txt` only if it is the project's own or one under
+  `plugin-repos/` or `plugins/`, so the root display service can import the
+  packages
+- `journalctl -u ledmatrix.service *`, `-u ledmatrix *`, `-t ledmatrix *`,
+  tagged `NOEXEC`: journalctl opens a pager on a terminal, and a shell
+  escape from that pager would be a root shell
+
+### `/etc/sudoers.d/ledmatrix_wifi`
+
+Written by
+[`scripts/install/configure_wifi_permissions.sh`](../scripts/install/configure_wifi_permissions.sh)
+(run as the web user; the installer calls it). It refuses to grant a binary
+that is not root-owned or is group/world-writable. The rules cover:
+
+- `nmcli device wifi connect|disconnect *`, `nmcli device connect|disconnect *`,
+  `nmcli radio wifi on|off`
+- `systemctl start|stop|restart hostapd`, `... dnsmasq`,
+  `systemctl restart NetworkManager`
+- `sysctl -w net.ipv4.ip_forward=0|1`
+- `nft add|delete table ip ledmatrix`
+- `rfkill unblock wifi`
+- `mkdir -p /etc/NetworkManager/dnsmasq-shared.d`
+- `cp` of `/tmp/hostapd.conf` and `/tmp/dnsmasq.conf` to their fixed
+  destinations, and `rm -f /etc/dnsmasq.d/ledmatrix-captive.conf`
+- `cp /tmp/ledmatrix-nm-dnsmasq.conf` to
+  `/etc/NetworkManager/dnsmasq-shared.d/ledmatrix-captive.conf`, and
+  `rm -f` of that file
+
+**`iptables` is deliberately not granted.** The captive portal's rules are
+built from the interface name and port, so a rule covering them would need a
+trailing wildcard, and `iptables --modprobe=<path>` runs `<path>` as root: a
+wildcard grant is a root shell for the web user. Doing it safely needs a
+wrapper script that builds the rules itself, like `safe_plugin_rm.sh`. On a
+stock Raspberry Pi OS image the default user's blanket `NOPASSWD` rule
+(`/etc/sudoers.d/010_pi-nopasswd`) hides this gap.
+
+### polkit
+
+The same script installs `/etc/polkit-1/rules.d/10-ledmatrix-wifi.rules`,
+which lets the web user perform any `org.freedesktop.NetworkManager.*`
+action without authentication.
+
+## Repair scripts
+
+In [`scripts/fix_perms/`](../scripts/fix_perms/). Run them from the project
+directory.
+
+| Script | Run as | What it does | Notes |
+|---|---|---|---|
+| `fix_plugin_permissions.sh` | `sudo` | `plugins/` and `plugin-repos/` to `root:<user>`, dirs `2775`, files `664`; makes a `700` home directory `755` so root can traverse it | Safe. Group-writable, so the web user keeps write access |
+| `fix_assets_permissions.sh` | `sudo` | `assets/` to `<user>:<group>`, mode `777` recursively | Works, but looser than the installer's `755`/`644` |
+| `fix_cache_permissions.sh` | `sudo` | Runs [`setup_cache.sh`](../scripts/install/setup_cache.sh) for `/var/cache/ledmatrix` (`root:ledmatrix`, `2775`, files `660`), then makes `~/.ledmatrix_cache` (the fallback cache) `<user>:<group>` mode `777` | Safe. The `~/.ledmatrix_cache` mode is still `777` |
+| `fix_web_permissions.sh` | the web user, **without** `sudo` | Resets project file ownership for the web user (it calls `sudo` itself), then makes `safe_plugin_rm.sh` and `safe_pip_install.sh` `root:root` `755` again and restores `config_secrets.json` to its owner, group `ledmatrix`, mode `640` | Refuses to run as root. It does not write sudoers rules |
+| `safe_plugin_rm.sh`, `safe_pip_install.sh` | — | Called by the web interface through sudo | Not for manual use |
+
+To reinstall the sudoers rules, run
+`./scripts/install/configure_web_sudo.sh` (web rules) or
+`./scripts/install/configure_wifi_permissions.sh` (WiFi rules and polkit) as
+the web user, not with `sudo`.
+
+After any of these, restart both services:
+
+```bash
+sudo systemctl restart ledmatrix.service ledmatrix-web.service
+```
+
+## Checking
+
+```bash
+ls -ld /var/cache/ledmatrix          # drwxrwsr-x root ledmatrix
+stat -c '%U:%G %a %n' config/config.json config/config_secrets.json
+id                                   # web user should list ledmatrix
+sudo -l                              # lists the NOPASSWD rules
+```

docs/PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md

@@ -9,10 +9,56 @@ Complete API reference for plugin developers. This document describes all method
 
 ## Table of Contents
 
+- [Manifest Required Fields](#manifest-required-fields)
 - [BasePlugin](#baseplugin)
 - [Display Manager](#display-manager)
 - [Cache Manager](#cache-manager)
 - [Plugin Manager](#plugin-manager)
+- [Deprecated APIs](#deprecated-apis)
+
+---
+
+## Manifest Required Fields
+
+Three parts of core check `manifest.json`, each for a different set of
+fields:
+
+| Check | Fields | What happens when one is missing |
+|---|---|---|
+| JSON schema, [`schema/manifest_schema.json`](../schema/manifest_schema.json) | `id`, `name`, `version`, `author`, `entry_point`, `class_name`, `compatible_versions` | Install from URL logs a warning (`PluginStoreManager._validate_manifest_schema()`); nothing is refused |
+| Plugin Store install, [`src/plugin_system/store_install.py`](../src/plugin_system/store_install.py) | `id`, `name`, `class_name`, `display_modes` | Install is refused. A registry install first tries to detect a missing `class_name` from the entry-point file |
+| Plugin loader, [`src/plugin_system/plugin_loader.py`](../src/plugin_system/plugin_loader.py) | `class_name` | The plugin fails to load |
+
+Defaults and other uses:
+
+- `entry_point` defaults to `manager.py`; the store writes the default back
+  into the manifest on install.
+- `compatible_versions` (a list of semver ranges such as `">=2.0.0"`) is how
+  the store decides whether a plugin can run on this core. An install is
+  refused only when the field excludes the running version
+  (`compatibility.check()` in
+  [`src/plugin_system/compatibility.py`](../src/plugin_system/compatibility.py)).
+- `version` is compared with the registry's `latest_version` to decide
+  whether an update is available.
+- If `display_modes` is empty at load time, the display controller uses the
+  plugin id as the only mode.
+
+**Set all eight:** `id`, `name`, `version`, `author`, `entry_point`,
+`class_name`, `display_modes`, `compatible_versions`. That satisfies every
+check. The schema lists the optional fields.
+
+```json
+{
+  "id": "my-plugin",
+  "name": "My Plugin",
+  "version": "1.0.0",
+  "author": "YourName",
+  "entry_point": "manager.py",
+  "class_name": "MyPlugin",
+  "display_modes": ["my-plugin"],
+  "compatible_versions": [">=2.0.0"]
+}
+```
 
 ---
 
@@ -36,7 +82,11 @@ self.enabled            # Boolean enabled status
 
 #### `update() -> None`
 
-Fetch/update data for this plugin. Called based on `update_interval` specified in the plugin's manifest.
+Fetch/update data for this plugin. Called on the plugin's update interval:
+the value `get_update_interval()` returns when it returns a number, otherwise
+the static interval: the `update_interval` in the plugin's manifest, else
+`update_interval` in the plugin's section of `config.json`, else 60 seconds
+(see [`get_update_interval()`](#get_update_interval---optionalfloat) below).
 
 **Example**:
 ```python
@@ -109,6 +159,46 @@ Called when plugin is enabled.
 
 Called when plugin is disabled.
 
+#### `get_update_interval() -> Optional[float]`
+
+How often this plugin wants `update()` called right now, in seconds. The
+manifest's `update_interval` is one static number; override this when the
+right cadence depends on state only the plugin knows, e.g. poll every 15s
+while a game is live and fall back to the manifest value otherwise.
+
+**Returns**: seconds as a number, or `None` (the default) for no opinion.
+
+How `PluginManager` (`_get_plugin_update_interval` in
+`src/plugin_system/plugin_manager.py`) resolves the interval on each
+scheduling tick:
+
+1. It calls `get_update_interval()`. A number wins over everything below.
+   Values under `PluginManager.MIN_DYNAMIC_UPDATE_INTERVAL` (5 seconds) are
+   raised to it.
+2. If the hook returns `None`, raises, or returns something that isn't a
+   finite number (a `bool`, a string, NaN, infinity), it is ignored and the
+   static interval applies: the manifest's `update_interval`, else
+   `update_interval` in the plugin's section of `config.json`, else 60
+   seconds.
+
+The static value is cached per plugin until the plugin is loaded or
+unloaded again, so editing `update_interval` in config takes effect on the
+next reload. The hook's return value is never cached: it is called on every
+tick of the display loop, so keep it to attribute reads (no config lookups,
+no I/O, no locks a fetch might hold) and don't let it raise.
+
+**Example**:
+```python
+def get_update_interval(self):
+    # Fast while something is live, manifest default otherwise.
+    if any(m.live_games for m in self._live_managers):
+        return self.config.get("live_update_interval", 15)
+    return None
+```
+
+Added in core 3.4.0; older cores never call it, so a plugin that relies on
+it should floor `ledmatrix_min_version` at `3.4.0`.
+
 #### `get_display_duration() -> float`
 
 Get display duration for this plugin. Can be overridden for dynamic durations.
@@ -170,6 +260,47 @@ Default returns `False`.
 List of display modes to show during a live takeover. Default returns the
 plugin's `display_modes` from its manifest.
 
+#### `get_vegas_priority_weight() -> Optional[int]`
+
+How many slots per Vegas cycle this plugin should get. Default returns
+`None`, which defers to the core.
+
+The Vegas ticker is otherwise a strict round robin — every plugin appears
+exactly once per cycle — so with a dozen plugins enabled a live score can be
+minutes stale by the time it comes round. A weight of *N* gives the plugin
+*N* slots per cycle, spread evenly through it rather than clumped.
+
+**You usually do not need this.** When the hook returns `None`, the core
+already gives a plugin `vegas_scroll.live_weight` whenever
+`has_live_priority()` and `has_live_content()` are both true. Live sports get
+extra turns with no code at all.
+
+Implement it only when the plugin knows something the core cannot. The
+motivating case is favorite teams — the core can see *that* a game is live,
+but not *whose*:
+
+```python
+def get_vegas_priority_weight(self):
+    if not (self.has_live_priority() and self.has_live_content()):
+        return None                       # let the core decide
+    vegas = self.global_config.get('display', {}).get('vegas_scroll', {})
+    if self._favorite_is_live():
+        return vegas.get('favorite_live_weight', 5)
+    return vegas.get('live_weight', 3)
+```
+
+The weight is per *plugin*, not per game: a scoreboard showing four live games
+still occupies one slot at a time and rotates its own games within it. Values
+are clamped to 1–10 by the caller. An exception here is caught and logged, and
+the core then falls back to its own live-content check — so a plugin whose
+weight calculation is broken still gets `live_weight` for a game that really
+is live, rather than being demoted to 1.
+
+Only consulted when the user has set `vegas_scroll.live_in_ticker`. With the
+default (`false`) live content preempts Vegas entirely and there is no ticker
+to be weighted within. See
+[ADVANCED_FEATURES.md](ADVANCED_FEATURES.md#live-content-in-the-ticker).
+
 ### Vegas scroll hooks
 
 Vegas mode shows multiple plugins as a single continuous scroll instead of
@@ -201,8 +332,9 @@ the mode selector for this plugin.
 
 #### `get_vegas_segment_width() -> Optional[int]`
 
-For `FIXED_SEGMENT` plugins, the width in pixels of the segment they
-occupy in the scroll. `None` lets the controller pick a default.
+For `FIXED_SEGMENT` plugins, the number of *panels* the segment
+occupies in the scroll (pixel width = panels × `single_panel_width`,
+from `display.hardware.cols`). `None` uses the default of 1 panel.
 
 > The full source for `BasePlugin` lives in
 > `src/plugin_system/base_plugin.py`. If a method here disagrees with the
@@ -343,106 +475,77 @@ self.display_manager.image.paste(icon, (5, 5), icon)
 self.display_manager.update_display()
 ```
 
-This is the same pattern the bundled scoreboard base classes
-(`src/base_classes/baseball.py`, `basketball.py`, `football.py`,
-`hockey.py`) use, so it's the canonical way to render arbitrary images.
+This is the canonical way to render arbitrary images.
 
-### Weather Icons
+### Weather Icons (deprecated)
 
-#### `draw_weather_icon(condition: str, x: int, y: int, size: int = 16) -> None`
+> Deprecated, removed in 3.7.0 — draw your own icons (the weather plugin
+> ships `WeatherIcons`). See [Deprecated APIs](#deprecated-apis).
 
-Draw a weather icon based on the condition string.
-
-**Parameters**:
-- `condition` (str): Weather condition (e.g., "clear", "cloudy", "rain", "snow", "storm")
-- `x` (int): X position
-- `y` (int): Y position
-- `size` (int): Icon size in pixels (default: 16)
-
-**Supported Conditions**:
-- `"clear"`, `"sunny"` → Sun icon
-- `"clouds"`, `"cloudy"`, `"partly cloudy"` → Cloud icon
-- `"rain"`, `"drizzle"`, `"shower"` → Rain icon
-- `"snow"`, `"sleet"`, `"hail"` → Snow icon
-- `"thunderstorm"`, `"storm"` → Storm icon
-
-**Example**:
-```python
-self.display_manager.draw_weather_icon("rain", x=10, y=10, size=16)
-```
-
-#### `draw_sun(x: int, y: int, size: int = 16) -> None`
-
-Draw a sun icon with rays.
-
-**Parameters**:
-- `x` (int): X position
-- `y` (int): Y position
-- `size` (int): Icon size (default: 16)
-
-#### `draw_cloud(x: int, y: int, size: int = 16, color: tuple = (200, 200, 200)) -> None`
-
-Draw a cloud icon.
-
-**Parameters**:
-- `x` (int): X position
-- `y` (int): Y position
-- `size` (int): Icon size (default: 16)
-- `color` (tuple): RGB color (default: light gray)
-
-#### `draw_rain(x: int, y: int, size: int = 16) -> None`
-
-Draw rain icon with cloud and droplets.
-
-#### `draw_snow(x: int, y: int, size: int = 16) -> None`
-
-Draw snow icon with cloud and snowflakes.
-
-#### `draw_text_with_icons(text: str, icons: List[tuple] = None, x: int = None, y: int = None, color: tuple = (255, 255, 255)) -> None`
-
-Draw text with weather icons at specified positions.
-
-**Parameters**:
-- `text` (str): Text to display
-- `icons` (List[tuple], optional): List of (icon_type, x, y) tuples
-- `x` (int, optional): X position for text
-- `y` (int, optional): Y position for text
-- `color` (tuple): Text color
-
-**Note**: Automatically calls `update_display()` after drawing.
-
-**Example**:
-```python
-icons = [
-    ("sun", 5, 5),
-    ("cloud", 100, 5)
-]
-self.display_manager.draw_text_with_icons(
-    "Weather: Sunny, Cloudy",
-    icons=icons,
-    x=10, y=20
-)
-```
+- `draw_weather_icon(condition, x, y, size=16)` — icon for a condition
+  string such as `"clear"`, `"clouds"`, `"rain"`, `"snow"`, `"storm"`
+- `draw_sun(x, y, size=16)`, `draw_cloud(x, y, size=16, color=(200, 200, 200))`,
+  `draw_rain(x, y, size=16)`, `draw_snow(x, y, size=16)`
+- `draw_text_with_icons(text, icons=None, x=None, y=None, color=(255, 255, 255))`
+  — text plus a list of `(icon_type, x, y)` icons; calls `update_display()`
 
 ### Scrolling State Management
 
 For plugins that implement scrolling content, use these methods to coordinate with the display system.
 
-#### `set_scrolling_state(is_scrolling: bool) -> None`
+#### `set_scrolling_state(is_scrolling: bool, frame_hold: int = 1) -> None`
 
-Mark the display as scrolling or not scrolling. Call when scrolling starts/stops.
+Mark the display as scrolling or not scrolling, and set this scroll's frame
+pacing. Call it when a scroll starts (calling it on every scroll frame is fine)
+and with `False` when it stops.
 
 **Parameters**:
 - `is_scrolling` (bool): True if currently scrolling, False otherwise
+- `frame_hold` (int, default 1): how many panel refreshes each pushed frame is
+  held for (clamped to 1-255; ignored when `is_scrolling` is False, which
+  resets it to 1). Pass the `frame_hold` of the settings
+  `src.common.scroll_config.configure()` returned. Added in core 3.4.0.
+
+**Why `frame_hold` matters**: `scroll_config.configure()` snaps the speed to
+one the panel can show in whole pixels and sets the `ScrollHelper` to advance a
+fixed number of pixels on every presented frame -- no clock is consulted. The
+panel presents frames at its refresh rate divided by the hold, so the hold is
+part of the speed. Omit it and a 50 px/s scroll (1px every 2nd refresh on a
+100 Hz panel) runs at 100 px/s. The hold is not applied by `configure()`
+because it must not outlive the scroll: plugins share one display manager.
 
 **Example**:
 ```python
+from src.common import scroll_config
+from src.common.scroll_helper import ScrollHelper
+
+def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
+    super().__init__(*args, **kwargs)
+    self.scroll_helper = ScrollHelper(
+        self.display_manager.width, self.display_manager.height, self.logger)
+    # ...later, hand it content with self.scroll_helper.set_scrolling_image(img)
+    self.scroll_settings = scroll_config.configure(
+        self.scroll_helper,
+        plugin_config=self.config,
+        global_config=self.global_config,
+        display_manager=self.display_manager,
+        plugin_logger=self.logger,
+    )
+
 def display(self, force_clear=False):
-    self.display_manager.set_scrolling_state(True)
-    # Scroll content...
-    self.display_manager.set_scrolling_state(False)
+    self.display_manager.set_scrolling_state(
+        True, frame_hold=self.scroll_settings.frame_hold)
+    self.scroll_helper.update_scroll_position()
+    self.display_manager.image = self.scroll_helper.get_visible_portion()
+    self.display_manager.update_display()
+    if self.scroll_helper.is_scroll_complete():
+        self.display_manager.set_scrolling_state(False)
 ```
 
+Don't pace the loop with `time.sleep()`: `update_display()` blocks on the
+panel's vsync, which is what paces a scroll. See `docs/SCROLL_PERFORMANCE.md`
+for choosing a speed.
+
 #### `is_currently_scrolling() -> bool`
 
 Check if the display is currently in a scrolling state.
@@ -478,6 +581,8 @@ Process any deferred updates if not currently scrolling. Called automatically by
 
 #### `get_scrolling_stats() -> dict`
 
+> Deprecated, removed in 3.7.0. See [Deprecated APIs](#deprecated-apis).
+
 Get current scrolling statistics for debugging.
 
 **Returns**: Dictionary with scrolling state information
@@ -496,7 +601,7 @@ The Display Manager provides several pre-loaded fonts:
 display_manager.regular_font      # Press Start 2P, size 8
 display_manager.small_font        # Press Start 2P, size 8
 display_manager.calendar_font     # 5x7 BDF font
-display_manager.extra_small_font  # 4x6 TTF font, size 6
+display_manager.extra_small_font  # 4x6 TTF font, size 7 (6 snapped to its pixel grid)
 display_manager.bdf_5x7_font     # Alias for calendar_font
 ```
 
@@ -619,6 +724,8 @@ data = self.cache_manager.get_with_auto_strategy("nhl_live_scores")
 
 #### `get_background_cached_data(key: str, sport_key: Optional[str] = None) -> Optional[Dict[str, Any]]`
 
+> Deprecated, removed in 3.7.0 — use `get()`. See [Deprecated APIs](#deprecated-apis).
+
 Get background service cached data with sport-specific intervals.
 
 **Parameters**:
@@ -656,6 +763,8 @@ max_age = strategy['max_age']  # Get configured max age
 
 #### `get_sport_live_interval(sport_key: str) -> int`
 
+> Deprecated, removed in 3.7.0. See [Deprecated APIs](#deprecated-apis).
+
 Get the live_update_interval for a specific sport from config.
 
 **Parameters**:
@@ -680,6 +789,8 @@ Extract data type from cache key to determine appropriate cache strategy.
 
 #### `get_sport_key_from_cache_key(key: str) -> Optional[str]`
 
+> Deprecated, removed in 3.7.0. See [Deprecated APIs](#deprecated-apis).
+
 Extract sport key from cache key for sport-specific strategies.
 
 **Parameters**:
@@ -724,22 +835,26 @@ for file_info in files:
     self.logger.info(f"Cache: {file_info['key']}, Age: {file_info['age_display']}")
 ```
 
-### Metrics Methods
+### Metrics Methods (deprecated)
 
 #### `get_cache_metrics() -> Dict[str, Any]`
 
+> Deprecated, removed in 3.7.0. See [Deprecated APIs](#deprecated-apis).
+
 Get cache performance metrics.
 
-**Returns**: Dictionary with cache statistics (hits, misses, hit rate, etc.)
+**Returns**: Dictionary with cache statistics (`total_requests`, `cache_hit_rate`, `background_hit_rate`, `api_calls_saved`, `average_fetch_time`, etc.)
 
 **Example**:
 ```python
 metrics = self.cache_manager.get_cache_metrics()
-self.logger.info(f"Cache hit rate: {metrics['hit_rate']:.2%}")
+self.logger.info(f"Cache hit rate: {metrics['cache_hit_rate']:.2%}")
 ```
 
 #### `get_memory_cache_stats() -> Dict[str, Any]`
 
+> Deprecated, removed in 3.7.0. See [Deprecated APIs](#deprecated-apis).
+
 Get memory cache statistics.
 
 **Returns**: Dictionary with memory cache stats (size, max_size, etc.)
@@ -784,6 +899,8 @@ for plugin_id, plugin in all_plugins.items():
 
 #### `get_enabled_plugins() -> List[str]`
 
+> Deprecated, removed in 3.7.0 — check `enabled` on the instances in `plugin_manager.plugins`. See [Deprecated APIs](#deprecated-apis).
+
 Get list of enabled plugin IDs.
 
 **Returns**: List of plugin identifier strings
@@ -862,9 +979,8 @@ def update(self):
 
 **Example - Checking if another plugin is enabled**:
 ```python
-enabled_plugins = self.plugin_manager.get_enabled_plugins()
-if "weather" in enabled_plugins:
-    # Weather plugin is enabled
+weather = self.plugin_manager.plugins.get("weather")
+if weather is not None and weather.enabled:
     pass
 ```
 
@@ -912,9 +1028,10 @@ if "weather" in enabled_plugins:
        self.display_manager.update_display()
    ```
 
-3. **Handle scrolling state**: If your plugin scrolls, use scrolling state methods
+3. **Handle scrolling state**: If your plugin scrolls, use scrolling state methods,
+   passing the frame hold `scroll_config.configure()` returned
    ```python
-   self.display_manager.set_scrolling_state(True)
+   self.display_manager.set_scrolling_state(True, frame_hold=settings.frame_hold)
    # Scroll content...
    self.display_manager.set_scrolling_state(False)
    ```
@@ -949,3 +1066,23 @@ if "weather" in enabled_plugins:
 - [Plugin Development Guide](PLUGIN_DEVELOPMENT_GUIDE.md) - Complete development guide
 - [Advanced Plugin Development](ADVANCED_PLUGIN_DEVELOPMENT.md) - Advanced patterns and examples
 
+---
+
+## Deprecated APIs
+
+These still work in 3.6 but log a warning the first time they are called
+(`journalctl -u ledmatrix` shows which one), and are **removed in 3.7.0**.
+Nothing in core, the official plugins or the third-party plugins in the
+registry calls them.
+
+| Object | Methods | Instead |
+|---|---|---|
+| `cache_manager` | `update_cache` | `set()` |
+| `cache_manager` | `get_background_cached_data`, `is_background_data_available` | `get()` |
+| `cache_manager` | `has_data_changed`, `setup_persistent_cache`, `get_sport_live_interval`, `get_sport_key_from_cache_key`, `record_cache_hit`, `record_cache_miss`, `record_fetch_time`, `get_cache_metrics`, `log_cache_metrics`, `get_memory_cache_stats` | no replacement |
+| `display_manager` | `draw_weather_icon`, `draw_sun`, `draw_cloud`, `draw_rain`, `draw_snow`, `draw_text_with_icons` | draw your own icons (the weather plugin ships `WeatherIcons`) |
+| `display_manager` | `get_scrolling_stats` | no replacement |
+| `font_manager` | `get_font_catalog`, `get_available_fonts` | read `font_catalog` |
+| `font_manager` | `set_override`, `remove_override`, `get_overrides`, `add_font`, `remove_font`, `validate_font`, `get_size_tokens`, `get_performance_stats`, `get_manager_fonts`, `get_detected_fonts`, `get_plugin_fonts`, `unregister_plugin_fonts` | no replacement |
+| `plugin_manager` | `get_enabled_plugins` | check `enabled` on the entries in `plugin_manager.plugins` |
+

docs/PLUGIN_ARCHITECTURE_SPEC.md

@@ -8,9 +8,13 @@
 > - Code paths reference `web_interface_v2.py`; the current web UI is
 >   `web_interface/app.py` with v3 Blueprint-based templates.
 > - The example Flask routes use `/api/plugins/*`; the real API
->   blueprint is mounted at `/api/v3` (`web_interface/app.py:144`).
+>   blueprint (`web_interface/blueprints/api_v3/`) is mounted at `/api/v3`
+>   in `web_interface/app.py`.
 > - The default plugin location is `plugin-repos/` (configurable via
 >   `plugin_system.plugins_directory`), not `./plugins/`.
+> - Example imports use `src/plugin_system/base_classes/*_plugin.py`,
+>   which do not exist. The old `src/base_classes/` package has been
+>   removed; shared sports code lives in `src/common/`.
 > - The "Migration Strategy" and "Implementation Roadmap" sections
 >   describe work that has now shipped.
 >
@@ -186,7 +190,9 @@ class BasePlugin(ABC):
     def update(self) -> None:
         """
         Fetch/update data for this plugin.
-        Called based on update_interval in manifest.
+        Called every get_update_interval() seconds when that returns a
+        number, otherwise at the static interval: the manifest's
+        update_interval, else the plugin config's update_interval, else 60s.
         """
         pass
     
@@ -201,6 +207,21 @@ class BasePlugin(ABC):
         """
         pass
     
+    def get_update_interval(self) -> Optional[float]:
+        """
+        Seconds until update() should run again, decided at runtime.
+        Return None (the default) to use the static interval.
+
+        PluginManager._get_plugin_update_interval calls this on every
+        scheduling tick. A number overrides the manifest and is clamped up
+        to PluginManager.MIN_DYNAMIC_UPDATE_INTERVAL (5s); None, a raise,
+        or a non-finite/non-numeric value falls back to the manifest's
+        update_interval, then the plugin config's update_interval, then
+        60s. The static value is cached until the plugin reloads; the hook
+        is not cached, so it must be cheap and must not raise.
+        """
+        return None
+    
     def get_display_duration(self) -> float:
         """
         Get the display duration for this plugin instance.

docs/PLUGIN_CONFIGURATION_GUIDE.md

@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ The LEDMatrix system uses a plugin-based architecture where each plugin manages
 1. **Install a plugin** from the Plugin Store in the web interface
 2. **Navigate to the plugin's configuration tab** (automatically created when installed)
 3. **Configure settings** using the auto-generated form
-4. **Save configuration** and restart the display service
+4. **Save configuration**; the running display applies it without a restart
 
 For detailed information, see the sections below.
 
@@ -67,9 +67,7 @@ The main configuration file (`config/config.json`) now contains only essential s
         "time_format": "%I:%M %p"
     },
     "plugin_system": {
-        "plugins_directory": "plugin-repos",
-        "auto_discover": true,
-        "auto_load_enabled": true
+        "plugins_directory": "plugin-repos"
     }
 }
 ```
@@ -93,9 +91,9 @@ The main configuration file (`config/config.json`) now contains only essential s
 
 #### 4. Plugin System
 - **plugin_system**: Plugin system configuration
-  - **plugins_directory**: Directory where plugins are stored
-  - **auto_discover**: Automatically discover plugins
-  - **auto_load_enabled**: Automatically load enabled plugins
+  - **plugins_directory**: Directory where plugins are stored (the only one the loader scans)
+  - `auto_discover`, `auto_load_enabled`, `development_mode` may still appear in
+    older configs; nothing reads them (see [CONFIG_REFERENCE.md](CONFIG_REFERENCE.md#plugin_system))
 
 ## Plugin Configuration
 
@@ -126,6 +124,14 @@ Plugins are configured by adding their plugin ID as a top-level key in the confi
 }
 ```
 
+How often the core calls a plugin's `update()`: the plugin's
+`get_update_interval()` if it returns a number, else `update_interval` in the
+plugin's `manifest.json`, else `update_interval` in its `config.json` section
+as above, else 60 seconds. A config `update_interval` therefore only sets the
+scheduler's cadence for a plugin whose manifest does not; plugins that expose
+it in their config schema typically also honour it themselves inside
+`update()`. See [PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md](PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md#get_update_interval---optionalfloat).
+
 ### Plugin Display Durations
 
 Add plugin display modes to the `display_durations` section:
@@ -191,19 +197,20 @@ plugin-repos/
     "author": "Your Name",
     "entry_point": "manager.py",
     "class_name": "MyPlugin",
-    "display_modes": ["my_plugin"],
-    "config_schema": "config_schema.json"
+    "display_modes": ["my_plugin"]
 }
 ```
 
-The required fields the plugin loader will check for are `id`,
-`name`, `version`, `class_name`, and `display_modes`. `entry_point`
-defaults to `manager.py` if omitted. `config_schema` must be a
-**file path** (relative to the plugin directory) — the schema itself
-lives in a separate JSON file, not inline in the manifest. The
-`class_name` value must match the actual class defined in the entry
-point file **exactly** (case-sensitive, no spaces); otherwise the
-loader fails with `AttributeError` at load time.
+The Plugin Store refuses a manifest that lacks any of `id`, `name`,
+`class_name` or `display_modes` (`store_install.py`); the loader itself
+needs `class_name`. `version` is not required, but the store compares it
+with the registry's `latest_version` to offer updates, so set it.
+`entry_point` defaults to `manager.py` if omitted. The config schema is not
+named in the manifest: it is always the file `config_schema.json` in the
+plugin directory. The `class_name` value must match the actual class
+defined in the entry point file **exactly** (case-sensitive, no spaces);
+otherwise the loader fails with a `PluginError` ("Class ... not found in
+module") at load time.
 
 ### Plugin Manager Class
 
@@ -225,9 +232,11 @@ class MyPlugin(BasePlugin):
         """Render plugin content to the LED matrix."""
         pass
     
-    def get_duration(self):
-        """Get display duration for this plugin"""
-        return self.config.get('duration', 30)
+    # BasePlugin.get_display_duration() already returns
+    # self.config['display_duration'] (default 15s); override it only to
+    # vary the duration with the content.
+    def get_display_duration(self):
+        return self.config.get('display_duration', 30)
 ```
 
 ### Dynamic Duration Configuration
@@ -261,7 +270,7 @@ Each installed plugin automatically gets its own dedicated configuration tab in
 
 ### Accessing Plugin Configuration
 
-1. Navigate to the **Plugins** tab to see all installed plugins
+1. Navigate to the **Plugin Manager** tab to see all installed plugins
 2. Click the **Configure** button on any plugin card, or
 3. Click directly on the plugin's tab button in the navigation bar
 
@@ -280,7 +289,6 @@ Configuration forms are automatically generated from each plugin's `config_schem
 - **Type-safe inputs**: Form inputs match JSON Schema types
 - **Default values**: Fields show current values or schema defaults
 - **Real-time validation**: Input constraints enforced (min, max, maxLength, etc.)
-- **Reset to defaults**: One-click reset to restore original settings
 - **Help text**: Each field shows description from schema
 
 For more details, see [Plugin Configuration Tabs](PLUGIN_CONFIGURATION_TABS.md).
@@ -339,20 +347,16 @@ The configuration system uses JSON Schema Draft-07 for validation:
 2. **Configuration errors**: Validate plugin configuration against schema
 3. **Display issues**: Check display durations and plugin display methods
 4. **Performance**: Monitor plugin update intervals and resource usage
-5. **Tab not showing**: Verify `config_schema.json` exists and is referenced in manifest
+5. **Form missing or wrong**: Verify `config_schema.json` exists in the plugin directory and is valid JSON Schema
 6. **Settings not saving**: Check validation errors and ensure all required fields are filled
 
 ### Debug Mode
 
-Enable debug logging to troubleshoot plugin issues:
+There is no config key for debug logging. Run the display with debug
+logging instead:
 
-```json
-{
-    "plugin_system": {
-        "debug": true,
-        "log_level": "debug"
-    }
-}
+```bash
+python3 run.py -d            # or: LEDMATRIX_DEBUG=true python3 run.py
 ```
 
 ## See Also

docs/PLUGIN_CONFIGURATION_TABS.md

@@ -1,18 +1,8 @@
 # Plugin Configuration Tabs
 
-> **Status note:** this doc was written during the rollout of the
-> per-plugin configuration tab feature. The feature itself is shipped
-> and working in the current v3 web interface, but a few file paths
-> in the "Implementation Details" section below still reference the
-> pre-v3 file layout (`web_interface_v2.py`, `templates/index_v2.html`).
-> The current implementation lives in `web_interface/app.py`,
-> `web_interface/blueprints/api_v3.py`, and `web_interface/templates/v3/`.
-> The user-facing description (Overview, Features, Form Generation
-> Process) is still accurate.
-
 ## Overview
 
-Each installed plugin now gets its own dedicated configuration tab in the web interface. This provides a clean, organized way to configure plugins without cluttering the main Plugins management tab.
+Each installed plugin now gets its own dedicated configuration tab in the web interface. This provides a clean, organized way to configure plugins without cluttering the **Plugin Manager** tab.
 
 ## Features
 
@@ -20,24 +10,27 @@ Each installed plugin now gets its own dedicated configuration tab in the web in
 - **JSON Schema-Based Forms**: Configuration forms are automatically generated based on each plugin's `config_schema.json`
 - **Type-Safe Inputs**: Form inputs are created based on the JSON Schema type (boolean, number, string, array, enum)
 - **Default Values**: All fields show current values or fallback to schema defaults
-- **Reset Functionality**: Users can reset all settings to defaults with one click
 - **Real-Time Validation**: Input constraints from JSON Schema are enforced (min, max, maxLength, etc.)
 
 ## User Experience
 
 ### Accessing Plugin Configuration
 
-1. Navigate to the **Plugins** tab to see all installed plugins
+1. Navigate to the **Plugin Manager** tab to see all installed plugins
 2. Click the **Configure** button on any plugin card
 3. You'll be automatically taken to that plugin's configuration tab
-4. Alternatively, click directly on the plugin's tab button (marked with a puzzle piece icon)
+4. Alternatively, click directly on the plugin's tab button in the second nav row
 
 ### Configuring a Plugin
 
 1. Open the plugin's configuration tab
 2. Modify settings using the generated form
-3. Click **Save Configuration**
-4. Restart the display service to apply changes
+3. Click **Save Configuration**. The settings apply to the running display
+   without a restart: the display service reloads `config.json` when it
+   changes and calls the plugin's `on_config_change()`
+
+The tab also has **Refresh** (reload the form), **Update** (update the
+plugin) and **Uninstall** buttons.
 
 ### Plugin Manager vs Per-Plugin Configuration
 
@@ -52,22 +45,13 @@ Each installed plugin now gets its own dedicated configuration tab in the web in
 
 ### Requirements
 
-To enable automatic configuration tab generation, your plugin must:
+Every installed plugin gets a tab. To get a generated form in it, include a
+`config_schema.json` file in the plugin's directory. The name is fixed: the
+web interface finds the schema by that file name (`SchemaManager` in
+`src/plugin_system/schema_manager.py`), and no manifest field points to it.
 
-1. Include a `config_schema.json` file
-2. Reference it in your `manifest.json`:
-
-```json
-{
-  "id": "your-plugin",
-  "name": "Your Plugin",
-  "icon": "fas fa-star",  // Optional: Custom tab icon
-  ...
-  "config_schema": "config_schema.json"
-}
-```
-
-**Note:** You can optionally specify a custom `icon` for your plugin tab. See [Plugin Custom Icons Guide](PLUGIN_CUSTOM_ICONS.md) for details.
+**Note:** You can optionally specify a Font Awesome `icon` class for your
+plugin tab in `manifest.json`. See [Plugin Custom Icons Guide](PLUGIN_CUSTOM_ICONS.md) for details.
 
 ### Supported JSON Schema Types
 
@@ -208,69 +192,32 @@ Renders as: Dropdown select
 
 ### Form Generation Process
 
-1. Web UI loads installed plugins via `/api/v3/plugins/installed`
-2. For each plugin, the backend loads its `config_schema.json`
-3. Frontend generates a tab button with plugin name
-4. Frontend generates a form based on the JSON Schema
-5. Current config values from `config.json` are populated
-6. When saved, each field is sent to `/api/v3/plugins/config` endpoint
+Forms are rendered on the server, not generated in the browser:
 
-## Implementation Details
-
-### Backend Changes
-
-**File**: `web_interface_v2.py`
-
-- Modified `/api/v3/plugins/installed` endpoint to include `config_schema_data`
-- Loads each plugin's `config_schema.json` if it exists
-- Returns schema data along with plugin info
-
-### Frontend Changes
-
-**File**: `templates/index_v2.html`
-
-New Functions:
-- `generatePluginTabs(plugins)` - Creates tab buttons and content for each plugin
-- `generatePluginConfigForm(plugin)` - Generates HTML form from JSON Schema
-- `savePluginConfiguration(pluginId)` - Saves form data to backend
-- `resetPluginConfig(pluginId)` - Resets all settings to defaults
-- `configurePlugin(pluginId)` - Navigates to plugin's tab
-
-### Data Flow
-
-```
-Page Load
-  → refreshPlugins()
-    → /api/v3/plugins/installed
-      → Returns plugins with config_schema_data
-    → generatePluginTabs()
-      → Creates tab buttons
-      → Creates tab content
-        → generatePluginConfigForm()
-          → Reads JSON Schema
-          → Creates form inputs
-          → Populates current values
-
-User Saves
-  → savePluginConfiguration()
-    → Reads form data
-    → Converts types per schema
-    → Sends to /api/v3/plugins/config
-      → Updates config.json
-    → Shows success notification
-```
+1. The web UI loads installed plugins via `/api/v3/plugins/installed` and adds
+   a tab button for each one
+2. Opening a tab loads `/v3/partials/plugin-config/<plugin_id>`
+   (`web_interface/blueprints/pages_v3.py`), which loads the plugin's schema
+   through `SchemaManager` and its current values from `config.json`
+3. `web_interface/templates/v3/partials/plugin_config.html` renders the form
+   from the schema (widgets named by `x-widget` are rendered by the scripts in
+   `web_interface/static/v3/js/widgets/`)
+4. **Save Configuration** posts the form to `/api/v3/plugins/config`
+   (`web_interface/blueprints/api_v3/plugin_config.py`), which validates it against
+   the schema, writes `config.json` (secret fields go to
+   `config_secrets.json`) and shows a notification
 
 ## Troubleshooting
 
 ### Plugin Tab Not Appearing
 
-- Ensure `config_schema.json` exists in plugin directory
-- Verify `config_schema` field in `manifest.json`
+- Check that the plugin is installed and appears in the **Plugin Manager** tab
 - Check browser console for errors
-- Try refreshing plugins (Plugins tab → Refresh button)
+- Reload the page
 
 ### Form Not Generating Correctly
 
+- Ensure `config_schema.json` exists in the plugin directory
 - Validate your `config_schema.json` against JSON Schema Draft 07
 - Check that all properties have a `type` field
 - Ensure `default` values match the specified type
@@ -282,7 +229,6 @@ User Saves
 - Check that config keys match schema properties
 - Verify backend API is accessible
 - Check browser network tab for API errors
-- Ensure display service is restarted after config changes
 
 ## Migration Guide
 
@@ -300,26 +246,21 @@ If your plugin doesn't have a config schema:
 2. Add descriptions for each property
 3. Set appropriate defaults
 4. Add validation constraints (min, max, etc.)
-5. Reference the schema in your `manifest.json`
 
 ### Backward Compatibility
 
 - Plugins without `config_schema.json` still work normally
-- They simply won't have a configuration tab
+- Their tab shows plain text, number and checkbox inputs for the keys already
+  in their `config.json` section, or "No configuration options available for
+  this plugin." when there are none
 - Users can still edit config via the Raw JSON editor
-- The Configure button will navigate to a tab with a friendly message
 
-## Future Enhancements
+## Beyond the Basic Types
 
-Potential improvements for future versions:
-
-- **Advanced Schema Features**: Support for nested objects, conditional fields
-- **Visual Validation**: Real-time validation feedback as user types
-- **Color Pickers**: Special input for RGB/color array types
-- **File Uploads**: Support for image/asset uploads
-- **Import/Export**: Save and share plugin configurations
-- **Presets**: Quick-switch between saved configurations
-- **Documentation Links**: Link schema fields to plugin documentation
+Nested objects (rendered as collapsible sections), `x-widget` widgets such as
+`color-picker` and `file-upload`, and more are supported; see
+[PLUGIN_CONFIGURATION_GUIDE.md](PLUGIN_CONFIGURATION_GUIDE.md) and
+`web_interface/static/v3/js/widgets/README.md`.
 
 ## Example Plugins
 

docs/PLUGIN_CONFIG_ARCHITECTURE.md

@@ -1,431 +1,189 @@
 # Plugin Configuration Tabs - Architecture
 
+> This page covers internals (how the config system works under the
+> hood). For designing a plugin's config schema, the canonical guide is
+> [PLUGIN_CONFIGURATION_GUIDE.md](PLUGIN_CONFIGURATION_GUIDE.md); for
+> the user-facing tabs feature, see
+> [PLUGIN_CONFIGURATION_TABS.md](PLUGIN_CONFIGURATION_TABS.md).
+
 ## System Architecture
 
 ### Component Overview
 
 ```
-┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
-│                         Web Browser                              │
-│  ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐   │
-│  │                    Tab Navigation Bar                     │   │
-│  │  [Overview] [General] ... [Plugins] [Plugin X] [Plugin Y]│   │
-│  └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘   │
-│                                                                   │
-│  ┌─────────────────┐  ┌──────────────────────────────────┐     │
-│  │  Plugins Tab    │  │   Plugin X Configuration Tab     │     │
-│  │                 │  │                                    │     │
-│  │ • Install       │  │  Form Generated from Schema:      │     │
-│  │ • Update        │  │  • Boolean → Toggle               │     │
-│  │ • Uninstall     │  │  • Number → Number Input          │     │
-│  │ • Enable        │  │  • String → Text Input            │     │
-│  │ • [Configure]──────→  • Array → Comma Input           │     │
-│  │                 │  │  • Enum → Dropdown                │     │
-│  └─────────────────┘  │                                    │     │
-│                        │  [Save] [Back] [Reset]            │     │
-│                        └──────────────────────────────────┘     │
-└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
+┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
+│ Web browser (templates/v3/base.html, Alpine.js + HTMX)            │
+│                                                                    │
+│  Second nav row: one tab per installed plugin                      │
+│  Clicking a tab: GET /v3/partials/plugin-config/<plugin_id>        │
+│  → server-rendered form swapped into the tab                       │
+│                                                                    │
+│  Save: hx-post="/api/v3/plugins/config?plugin_id=<id>" (form data) │
+└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
                                 │
-                                │ HTTP API
                                 ▼
-┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
-│                      Flask Backend                               │
-│  ┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐     │
-│  │         /api/v3/plugins/installed                         │     │
-│  │  • Discover plugins in plugins/ directory              │     │
-│  │  • Load manifest.json for each plugin                  │     │
-│  │  • Load config_schema.json if exists                   │     │
-│  │  • Load current config from config.json                │     │
-│  │  • Return combined data to frontend                    │     │
-│  └───────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘     │
-│                                                                   │
-│  ┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐     │
-│  │         /api/v3/plugins/config                            │     │
-│  │  • Receive key-value pair                              │     │
-│  │  • Update config.json                                  │     │
-│  │  • Return success/error                                │     │
-│  └───────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘     │
-└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
+┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
+│ Flask (web_interface/app.py)                                       │
+│                                                                    │
+│  pages_v3 blueprint (blueprints/pages_v3.py)                       │
+│   _load_plugin_config_partial(plugin_id)                           │
+│    • SchemaManager.load_schema() → config_schema.json              │
+│    • config.json section for the plugin                            │
+│    • masks x-secret fields                                         │
+│    • renders partials/plugin_config.html (render_field macros)     │
+│                                                                    │
+│  api_v3 blueprint (blueprints/api_v3/plugin_config.py)             │
+│   save_plugin_config()   POST /api/v3/plugins/config               │
+│   get_plugin_config()    GET  /api/v3/plugins/config               │
+│   get_plugin_schema()    GET  /api/v3/plugins/schema               │
+│   reset_plugin_config()  POST /api/v3/plugins/config/reset         │
+└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
                                 │
-                                │ File System
                                 ▼
-┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
-│                      File System                                 │
-│                                                                   │
-│  plugins/                                                         │
-│  ├── hello-world/                                                │
-│  │   ├── manifest.json ───┐                                     │
-│  │   ├── config_schema.json ─┼─→ Defines UI structure           │
-│  │   ├── manager.py          │                                   │
-│  │   └── requirements.txt    │                                   │
-│  └── clock-simple/            │                                   │
-│      ├── manifest.json        │                                   │
-│      └── config_schema.json ──┘                                  │
-│                                                                   │
-│  config/                                                          │
-│  └── config.json ────────────→ Stores configuration values       │
-│      {                                                            │
-│        "hello-world": {                                           │
-│          "enabled": true,                                         │
-│          "message": "Hello!",                                     │
-│          ...                                                      │
-│        }                                                          │
-│      }                                                            │
-└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
+┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
+│ Files                                                              │
+│  plugin-repos/<id>/config_schema.json   JSON Schema (Draft-7)      │
+│  config/config.json                     { "<id>": { ... } }        │
+│  config/config_secrets.json             { "<id>": { secrets } }    │
+└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
 ```
 
+The plugins directory is `plugin_system.plugins_directory` in
+`config/config.json` (default `plugin-repos/`). Plugin configuration lives in
+`config/config.json`, not in the plugin directory, so it survives reinstalls.
+
 ## Data Flow
 
-### 1. Page Load Sequence
+### 1. Rendering a plugin's tab
 
 ```
-User Opens Web Interface
-         │
-         ▼
-DOMContentLoaded Event
-         │
-         ▼
-refreshPlugins()
-         │
-         ▼
-GET /api/v3/plugins/installed
-         │
-         ├─→ For each plugin directory:
-         │   ├─→ Read manifest.json
-         │   ├─→ Read config_schema.json (if exists)
-         │   └─→ Read config from config.json
-         │
-         ▼
-Return JSON Array:
-[{
-  id: "hello-world",
-  name: "Hello World",
-  config: { enabled: true, message: "Hello!" },
-  config_schema_data: {
-    properties: {
-      enabled: { type: "boolean", ... },
-      message: { type: "string", ... }
-    }
-  }
-}, ...]
-         │
-         ▼
-generatePluginTabs(plugins)
-         │
-         ├─→ For each plugin:
-         │   ├─→ Create tab button
-         │   ├─→ Create tab content div
-         │   └─→ generatePluginConfigForm(plugin)
-         │           │
-         │           ├─→ Read schema properties
-         │           ├─→ Get current config values
-         │           └─→ Generate HTML form inputs
-         │
-         ▼
-Tabs Rendered in UI
+User opens the plugin's tab
+        │
+        ▼
+GET /v3/partials/plugin-config/<plugin_id>        (pages_v3)
+        │
+        ├─→ Load schema (SchemaManager, no cache)
+        ├─→ Load config.json[<plugin_id>]
+        ├─→ Mask "x-secret" values (fails closed if the schema is unusable)
+        └─→ render partials/plugin_config.html
+                │
+                └─→ render_field() per property, recursively:
+                      boolean → toggle, number/integer → input or slider,
+                      string → input / textarea / select (enum),
+                      array → list or table widget,
+                      object → collapsible nested section,
+                      "x-widget" → a registered widget
+                               (static/v3/js/widgets/, or one the plugin ships)
 ```
 
-### 2. Configuration Save Sequence
+Nested objects are supported: a nested field is posted with a dotted name
+(e.g. `transition.type`).
+
+### 2. Saving
 
 ```
-User Modifies Form
-         │
-         ▼
-User Clicks "Save"
-         │
-         ▼
-savePluginConfiguration(pluginId)
-         │
-         ├─→ Get form data
-         ├─→ For each field:
-         │   ├─→ Get schema type
-         │   ├─→ Convert value to correct type
-         │   │   • boolean: checkbox.checked
-         │   │   • integer: parseInt()
-         │   │   • number: parseFloat()
-         │   │   • array: split(',')
-         │   │   • string: as-is
-         │   │
-         │   └─→ POST /api/v3/plugins/config
-         │       {
-         │         plugin_id: "hello-world",
-         │         key: "message",
-         │         value: "Hello, World!"
-         │       }
-         │
-         ▼
-Backend Updates config.json
-         │
-         ▼
-Return Success
-         │
-         ▼
-Show Notification
-         │
-         ▼
-Refresh Plugins
+User clicks Save
+        │
+        ▼
+validatePluginConfigForm() (client-side checks)
+        │
+        ▼
+POST /api/v3/plugins/config?plugin_id=<id>   (form data, all fields of the form)
+        │
+        ▼
+save_plugin_config()                          (api_v3/plugin_config.py)
+        ├─→ Start from the stored config.json[<id>]
+        ├─→ Apply form fields: dotted names → nested keys, "[]" checkbox
+        │   groups → lists, values coerced to the schema's types
+        ├─→ Merge schema defaults for keys that are still missing
+        ├─→ Validate against the schema (plus core per-plugin properties);
+        │   invalid → 400 with the validation errors, nothing saved
+        ├─→ Split "x-secret" fields out; masked/blank secrets are dropped so
+        │   an untouched secret keeps its stored value
+        ├─→ Deep-merge regular fields into config.json[<id>] (atomic save)
+        ├─→ Merge secrets into config_secrets.json[<id>]
+        └─→ Call the loaded plugin's on_config_change() (and
+            on_enable/on_disable if "enabled" changed)
+        │
+        ▼
+One response for the whole form → notification in the UI
 ```
 
-## Class and Function Hierarchy
+The display service picks up the new config through its config hot reload
+(ConfigService) without a restart.
 
-### Frontend (JavaScript)
+JSON clients can post `{"plugin_id": ..., "config": {...}}` instead; the keys
+sent are merged onto the stored config the same way. See
+[REST_API_REFERENCE.md](REST_API_REFERENCE.md#save-plugin-configuration).
 
-```
-Window Load
-  └── DOMContentLoaded
-      └── refreshPlugins()
-          ├── fetch('/api/v3/plugins/installed')
-          ├── renderInstalledPlugins(plugins)
-          └── generatePluginTabs(plugins)
-              └── For each plugin:
-                  ├── Create tab button
-                  ├── Create tab content
-                  └── generatePluginConfigForm(plugin)
-                      ├── Read config_schema_data
-                      ├── Read current config
-                      └── Generate form HTML
-                          ├── Boolean → Toggle switch
-                          ├── Number → Number input
-                          ├── String → Text input
-                          ├── Array → Comma-separated input
-                          └── Enum → Select dropdown
+### 3. Reset
 
-User Interactions
-  ├── configurePlugin(pluginId)
-  │   └── showTab(`plugin-${pluginId}`)
-  │
-  ├── savePluginConfiguration(pluginId)
-  │   ├── Process form data
-  │   ├── Convert types per schema
-  │   └── For each field:
-  │       └── POST /api/v3/plugins/config
-  │
-  └── resetPluginConfig(pluginId)
-      ├── Get schema defaults
-      └── For each field:
-          └── POST /api/v3/plugins/config
-```
-
-### Backend (Python)
-
-```
-Flask Routes
-  ├── /api/v3/plugins/installed (GET)
-  │   └── api_plugins_installed()
-  │       ├── PluginManager.discover_plugins()
-  │       ├── For each plugin:
-  │       │   ├── PluginManager.get_plugin_info()
-  │       │   ├── Load config_schema.json
-  │       │   └── Load config from config.json
-  │       └── Return JSON response
-  │
-  └── /api/v3/plugins/config (POST)
-      └── api_plugin_config()
-          ├── Parse request JSON
-          ├── Load current config
-          ├── Update config[plugin_id][key] = value
-          └── Save config.json
-```
-
-## File Structure
-
-```
-LEDMatrix/
-│
-├── web_interface_v2.py
-│   └── Flask backend with plugin API endpoints
-│
-├── templates/
-│   └── index_v2.html
-│       └── Frontend with dynamic tab generation
-│
-├── config/
-│   └── config.json
-│       └── Stores all plugin configurations
-│
-├── plugins/
-│   ├── hello-world/
-│   │   ├── manifest.json           ← Plugin metadata
-│   │   ├── config_schema.json      ← UI schema definition
-│   │   ├── manager.py              ← Plugin logic
-│   │   └── requirements.txt
-│   │
-│   └── clock-simple/
-│       ├── manifest.json
-│       ├── config_schema.json
-│       └── manager.py
-│
-└── docs/
-    ├── PLUGIN_CONFIGURATION_TABS.md       ← Full documentation
-    ├── PLUGIN_CONFIG_TABS_SUMMARY.md      ← Implementation summary
-    ├── PLUGIN_CONFIG_QUICK_START.md       ← Quick start guide
-    └── PLUGIN_CONFIG_ARCHITECTURE.md      ← This file
-```
+`POST /api/v3/plugins/config/reset` replaces the plugin's section with the
+schema defaults (keeping secrets unless `preserve_secrets` is false).
 
 ## Key Design Decisions
 
-### 1. Dynamic Tab Generation
+### 1. Server-side rendered forms
 
-**Why**: Plugins are installed/uninstalled dynamically  
-**How**: JavaScript creates/removes tab elements on plugin list refresh  
-**Benefit**: No server-side template rendering needed
+**Why**: One renderer for every plugin, no per-plugin frontend code
+**How**: Jinja macros in `partials/plugin_config.html` walk the schema
+**Benefit**: The settings search index is built from the same rendered HTML
+(`/v3/settings/search-index`)
 
-### 2. JSON Schema as Source of Truth
+### 2. JSON Schema as source of truth
 
-**Why**: Standard, well-documented, validation-ready  
-**How**: Frontend interprets schema to generate forms  
-**Benefit**: Plugin developers use familiar format
+**Why**: Standard, well-documented, validation-ready
+**How**: The same schema drives the form, the defaults and server-side validation
+**Benefit**: Plugin developers use a familiar format
 
-### 3. Individual Config Updates
+### 3. Whole-form saves that merge
 
-**Why**: Simplifies backend API  
-**How**: Each field saved separately via `/api/v3/plugins/config`  
-**Benefit**: Atomic updates, easier error handling
+**Why**: A partial form (or a field the form doesn't show) must not wipe
+stored values
+**How**: The handler starts from the stored section and merges what was posted
+**Benefit**: One request per save, atomic write
 
-### 4. Type Conversion in Frontend
+### 4. Secrets kept out of config.json
 
-**Why**: HTML forms only return strings  
-**How**: JavaScript converts based on schema type before sending  
-**Benefit**: Backend receives correctly-typed values
-
-### 5. No Nested Objects
-
-**Why**: Keeps UI simple  
-**How**: Only flat property structures supported  
-**Benefit**: Easy form generation, clear to users
+**Why**: `config.json` is shown in the raw editor and returned by the API
+**How**: `"x-secret": true` fields go to `config_secrets.json`, which is
+deep-merged back into the plugin's config at load time
+**Benefit**: Plugins read secrets with plain `config.get(...)`
 
 ## Extension Points
 
-### Adding New Input Types
+### Custom input widgets
 
-Location: `generatePluginConfigForm()` in `index_v2.html`
+Set `"x-widget": "<name>"` on a property. Core widgets are in
+`web_interface/static/v3/js/widgets/`; a plugin can ship its own widget
+script, served from `/static/plugin-widgets/<plugin_id>/<name>.js`. See the
+[widget guide](../web_interface/static/v3/js/widgets/README.md).
 
-```javascript
-if (type === 'your-new-type') {
-    formHTML += `
-        <!-- Your custom input HTML -->
-    `;
-}
-```
+### Custom actions
 
-### Custom Validation
+Buttons that run plugin scripts are declared in the manifest's
+`web_ui_actions`. See [PLUGIN_WEB_UI_ACTIONS.md](PLUGIN_WEB_UI_ACTIONS.md).
 
-Location: `savePluginConfiguration()` in `index_v2.html`
+### Reacting to changes
 
-```javascript
-// Add validation before sending
-if (!validateCustomConstraint(value, propSchema)) {
-    throw new Error('Validation failed');
-}
-```
+Implement `on_config_change(new_config)` in the plugin (see
+[PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md](PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md)).
 
-### Backend Hook
+## Where to Look
 
-Location: `api_plugin_config()` in `web_interface_v2.py`
-
-```python
-# Add custom logic before saving
-if plugin_id == 'special-plugin':
-    value = transform_value(value)
-```
-
-## Performance Considerations
-
-### Frontend
-
-- **Tab Generation**: O(n) where n = number of plugins (typically < 20)
-- **Form Generation**: O(m) where m = number of config properties (typically < 10)
-- **Memory**: Each plugin tab ~5KB HTML
-- **Total Impact**: Negligible for typical use cases
-
-### Backend
-
-- **Schema Loading**: Cached after first load
-- **Config Updates**: Single file write (atomic)
-- **API Calls**: One per config field on save (sequential)
-- **Optimization**: Could batch updates in single API call
-
-## Security Considerations
-
-1. **Input Validation**: Schema constraints enforced client-side (UX) and should be enforced server-side
-2. **Path Traversal**: Plugin paths validated against known plugin directory
-3. **XSS**: All user inputs escaped before rendering in HTML
-4. **CSRF**: Flask CSRF tokens should be used in production
-5. **File Permissions**: config.json requires write access
+| Concern | File |
+|---------|------|
+| Tab partial loader | `web_interface/blueprints/pages_v3.py` (`_load_plugin_config_partial`) |
+| Form template and field macros | `web_interface/templates/v3/partials/plugin_config.html` |
+| Save / get / schema / reset handlers | `web_interface/blueprints/api_v3/plugin_config.py` |
+| Schema loading, defaults, validation | `src/plugin_system/schema_manager.py` |
+| Secret masking and splitting | `src/web_interface/secret_helpers.py` |
+| Widgets | `web_interface/static/v3/js/widgets/` |
 
 ## Error Handling
 
-### Frontend
-
-- Network errors: Show notification, don't crash
-- Schema errors: Graceful fallback to no config tab
-- Type errors: Log to console, continue processing other fields
-
-### Backend
-
-- Invalid plugin_id: 400 Bad Request
-- Schema not found: Return null, frontend handles gracefully
-- Config save error: 500 Internal Server Error with message
-
-## Testing Strategy
-
-### Unit Tests
-
-- `generatePluginConfigForm()` for each schema type
-- Type conversion logic in `savePluginConfiguration()`
-- Backend schema loading logic
-
-### Integration Tests
-
-- Full save flow: form → API → config.json
-- Tab generation from API response
-- Reset to defaults
-
-### E2E Tests
-
-- Install plugin → verify tab appears
-- Configure plugin → verify config saved
-- Uninstall plugin → verify tab removed
-
-## Monitoring
-
-### Frontend Metrics
-
-- Time to generate tabs
-- Form submission success rate
-- User interactions (configure, save, reset)
-
-### Backend Metrics
-
-- API response times
-- Config update success rate
-- Schema loading errors
-
-### User Feedback
-
-- Are users finding the configuration interface?
-- Are validation errors clear?
-- Are default values sensible?
-
-## Future Roadmap
-
-### Phase 2: Enhanced Validation
-- Real-time validation feedback
-- Custom error messages
-- Dependent field validation
-
-### Phase 3: Advanced Inputs
-- Color pickers for RGB arrays
-- File upload for assets
-- Rich text editor for descriptions
-
-### Phase 4: Configuration Management
-- Export/import configurations
-- Configuration presets
-- Version history/rollback
-
-### Phase 5: Developer Tools
-- Schema editor in web UI
-- Live preview while editing schema
-- Validation tester
-
+- Unknown plugin or unreadable schema: the partial renders an error message
+- Validation failure: `400` with `details` and `context.validation_errors`;
+  the form shows them and nothing is saved
+- Save failure: `500` with an error message; config.json is written
+  atomically, so a failed save leaves the previous file intact

docs/PLUGIN_CONFIG_CORE_PROPERTIES.md

@@ -6,7 +6,8 @@ The LEDMatrix plugin system automatically manages certain core properties that a
 
 ## Core Properties
 
-The following properties are automatically managed by the system:
+The following properties are automatically managed by the system (the list
+is `CORE_PLUGIN_PROPERTIES` in `src/plugin_system/schema_manager.py`):
 
 1. **`enabled`** (boolean)
    - Default: `true`
@@ -24,6 +25,18 @@ The following properties are automatically managed by the system:
    - Description: Enable live priority takeover when plugin has live content
    - Used by DisplayController for priority scheduling
 
+4. **`vegas_width_pct`**, **`vegas_overflow`**, **`vegas_max_width_screens`**
+   (untyped; no default)
+   - Description: Vegas mode tuning for this plugin — card width as a
+     percentage of the panel, `"rotate"` or `"truncate"` on overflow, and the
+     widest the card may be in screens
+   - Read by `src/vegas_mode/plugin_adapter.py` and `BasePlugin`, which
+     validate the values themselves and ignore a bad one with a log line
+
+`skin` and `skin_options` were core properties until the skin system was
+removed. A plugin config saved with them still loads and saves; the keys are
+dropped on the next save (see `RETIRED_PLUGIN_KEYS` in `schema_manager.py`).
+
 ## How Core Properties Work
 
 ### Schema Validation

docs/PLUGIN_CONFIG_QUICK_START.md

@@ -10,8 +10,8 @@
    and click **Install**
 4. Notice a new tab appears in the second nav row with the plugin's name
 5. Click that tab to configure the plugin
-6. Modify settings and click **Save**
-7. From **Overview**, click **Restart Display Service** to see changes
+6. Modify settings and click **Save Configuration**. The running display
+   picks the change up by itself; no restart is needed
 
 That's it! Each installed plugin automatically gets its own configuration tab.
 
@@ -29,7 +29,6 @@ That's it! Each installed plugin automatically gets its own configuration tab.
 - ✅ Proper input types (toggles, numbers, dropdowns)
 - ✅ Help text explaining each setting
 - ✅ Input validation (min/max, length, etc.)
-- ✅ One-click reset to defaults
 
 ## 📋 Example Walkthrough
 
@@ -40,7 +39,7 @@ Let's configure the "Hello World" plugin:
 After installing the plugin, you'll see a new tab:
 
 ```
-[Overview] [General] [...] [Plugins] [Hello World] ← New tab!
+[Plugin Manager] [Hello World] ← New tab! (second nav row)
 ```
 
 ### Step 2: Configure Settings
@@ -70,15 +69,16 @@ Display Duration
 How long to display in seconds
   [10                   ]
 
-[Save Configuration] [Back] [Reset to Defaults]
+[Refresh] [Update] [Uninstall] [Save Configuration]
 ```
 
 ### Step 3: Save and Apply
 
 1. Modify any settings
 2. Click **Save Configuration**
-3. See confirmation: "Configuration saved for hello-world. Restart display to apply changes."
-4. Restart the display service
+3. See the confirmation notification. Plugin settings apply live: the
+   display service reloads `config.json` when it changes and passes the new
+   settings to the plugin's `on_config_change()`
 
 ## 🛠️ For Plugin Developers
 
@@ -105,19 +105,14 @@ Create `config_schema.json` in your plugin directory:
 }
 ```
 
-Reference it in `manifest.json`:
+**Done!** The file name is fixed: the web interface looks for
+`config_schema.json` in the plugin's directory; there is no manifest field
+for it. Every installed plugin gets a tab; the schema is what turns it into a
+form.
 
-```json
-{
-  "id": "my-plugin",
-  "icon": "fas fa-star",              // Optional: add a custom icon!
-  "config_schema": "config_schema.json"
-}
-```
-
-**Done!** Your plugin now has a configuration tab.
-
-**Bonus:** Add an `icon` field for a custom tab icon! Use Font Awesome icons (`fas fa-star`), emoji (⭐), or custom images. See [PLUGIN_CUSTOM_ICONS.md](PLUGIN_CUSTOM_ICONS.md) for the full guide.
+**Bonus:** an `icon` field in `manifest.json` names a Font Awesome class for
+the tab (`"icon": "fas fa-star"`). See
+[PLUGIN_CUSTOM_ICONS.md](PLUGIN_CUSTOM_ICONS.md).
 
 ## 🎨 Supported Input Types
 
@@ -171,12 +166,10 @@ User enters: `255, 0, 0`
 
 ### For Users
 
-1. **Reset Anytime**: Use "Reset to Defaults" to restore original settings
-2. **Navigate Back**: Switch to the **Plugin Manager** tab to see the
+1. **Navigate Back**: Switch to the **Plugin Manager** tab to see the
    full list of installed plugins
-3. **Check Help Text**: Each field has a description explaining what it does
-4. **Restart Required**: Remember to restart the display service from
-   **Overview** after saving
+2. **Check Help Text**: Each field has a description explaining what it does
+3. **No Restart Needed**: Saved plugin settings apply to the running display
 
 ### For Developers
 
@@ -189,18 +182,17 @@ User enters: `255, 0, 0`
 ## 🔧 Troubleshooting
 
 ### Tab Not Showing
-- Check that `config_schema.json` exists
-- Verify `config_schema` is in `manifest.json`
+- Check that the plugin is installed and listed under **Plugin Manager**
 - Refresh the page
 - Check browser console for errors
 
 ### Settings Not Saving
 - Ensure plugin is properly installed
-- Restart the display service after saving
 - Check that all required fields are filled
 - Look for validation errors in browser console
 
 ### Form Looks Wrong
+- Check that `config_schema.json` is in the plugin's directory
 - Validate your JSON Schema
 - Check that types match your defaults
 - Ensure descriptions are strings

docs/PLUGIN_CUSTOM_ICONS.md

@@ -2,17 +2,26 @@
 
 ## Overview
 
-Plugins can specify custom icons that appear next to their name in the web interface tabs. This makes your plugin instantly recognizable and adds visual polish to the UI.
+A plugin can name an icon for its tab in the web interface's second nav row
+(next to **Plugin Manager**) with the `icon` field in `manifest.json`.
 
-## Icon Types Supported
+`GET /api/v3/plugins/installed` passes the manifest's `icon` through (a
+non-string value comes back as `null`), and a plugin without one gets the
+default puzzle piece.
 
-The system supports three types of icons:
+## Font Awesome classes only
 
-### 1. Font Awesome Icons (Recommended)
+`icon` is used verbatim as the CSS class of an `<i>` element
+(`iconEl.className = plugin.icon || 'fas fa-puzzle-piece'` in
+`web_interface/static/v3/js/app-shell.js` and the same fallback in
+`app-early.js`). So it must be a Font Awesome class string. Emoji, image
+paths and URLs are not supported: they would end up as a meaningless class
+name and render nothing.
 
-The web interface uses Font Awesome 6, giving you access to thousands of icons.
+The web interface bundles Font Awesome Free 6
+(`web_interface/static/v3/vendor/fontawesome/`), so any free `fas`, `far` or
+`fab` icon works.
 
-**Example:**
 ```json
 {
   "id": "my-plugin",
@@ -21,292 +30,33 @@ The web interface uses Font Awesome 6, giving you access to thousands of icons.
 }
 ```
 
-**Common Font Awesome Icons:**
-- Clock: `fas fa-clock`
+Some common choices:
+
+- Clock / calendar: `fas fa-clock`, `fas fa-calendar-alt`
 - Weather: `fas fa-cloud-sun`, `fas fa-cloud-rain`
-- Calendar: `fas fa-calendar`, `fas fa-calendar-alt`
-- Sports: `fas fa-football-ball`, `fas fa-basketball-ball`
+- Sports: `fas fa-football-ball`, `fas fa-basketball-ball`, `fas fa-trophy`
 - Music: `fas fa-music`, `fas fa-headphones`
 - Finance: `fas fa-chart-line`, `fas fa-dollar-sign`
 - News: `fas fa-newspaper`, `fas fa-rss`
-- Settings: `fas fa-cog`, `fas fa-sliders-h`
-- Timer: `fas fa-stopwatch`, `fas fa-hourglass`
-- Alert: `fas fa-bell`, `fas fa-exclamation-triangle`
-- Heart: `fas fa-heart`, `far fa-heart` (outline)
-- Star: `fas fa-star`, `far fa-star` (outline)
-- Image: `fas fa-image`, `fas fa-camera`
-- Video: `fas fa-video`, `fas fa-film`
-- Game: `fas fa-gamepad`, `fas fa-dice`
+- Games: `fas fa-gamepad`, `fas fa-dice`
 
-**Browse all icons:** [Font Awesome Icon Gallery](https://fontawesome.com/icons)
+Browse the rest in the [Font Awesome gallery](https://fontawesome.com/icons)
+(filter to Free, version 6).
 
-### 2. Emoji Icons (Fun & Simple)
+## Default
 
-Use any emoji character for a colorful, fun icon.
-
-**Example:**
-```json
-{
-  "id": "hello-world",
-  "name": "Hello World",
-  "icon": "👋"
-}
-```
-
-**Popular Emojis:**
-- Time: ⏰ 🕐 ⏱️ ⏲️
-- Weather: ☀️ ⛅ 🌤️ 🌧️ ⛈️ 🌩️ ❄️
-- Sports: ⚽ 🏀 🏈 ⚾ 🎾 🏐
-- Music: 🎵 🎶 🎸 🎹 🎤
-- Money: 💰 💵 💴 💶 💷
-- Calendar: 📅 📆
-- News: 📰 📻 📡
-- Fun: 🎮 🎲 🎯 🎨 🎭
-- Nature: 🌍 🌎 🌏 🌳 🌺 🌸
-- Food: 🍕 🍔 🍟 🍦 ☕ 🍰
-
-### 3. Custom Image URLs (Advanced)
-
-Use a custom image file for ultimate branding.
-
-**Example:**
-```json
-{
-  "id": "my-plugin",
-  "name": "My Plugin",
-  "icon": "/plugins/my-plugin/icon.png"
-}
-```
-
-**Requirements:**
-- Image should be 16x16 to 32x32 pixels
-- Supported formats: PNG, SVG, JPG, GIF
-- Can be a relative path, absolute path, or external URL
-- SVG recommended for best quality at any size
-
-## How to Add an Icon
-
-### Step 1: Choose Your Icon
-
-Decide which type suits your plugin:
-- **Font Awesome**: Professional, consistent with UI
-- **Emoji**: Fun, colorful, no setup needed
-- **Custom Image**: Unique branding, requires image file
-
-### Step 2: Add to manifest.json
-
-Add the `icon` field to your plugin's `manifest.json`:
-
-```json
-{
-  "id": "my-weather-plugin",
-  "name": "Weather Display",
-  "version": "1.0.0",
-  "author": "Your Name",
-  "description": "Shows weather information",
-  "icon": "fas fa-cloud-sun",  // ← Add this line
-  "entry_point": "manager.py",
-  ...
-}
-```
-
-### Step 3: Test Your Plugin
-
-1. Install or update your plugin
-2. Open the web interface
-3. Look for your plugin's tab
-4. The icon should appear next to the plugin name
-
-## Examples
-
-### Weather Plugin
-```json
-{
-  "id": "weather-advanced",
-  "name": "Weather Advanced",
-  "icon": "fas fa-cloud-sun",
-  "description": "Advanced weather display with forecasts"
-}
-```
-**Result:** Tab shows: `☁️ Weather Advanced`
-
-### Clock Plugin
-```json
-{
-  "id": "digital-clock",
-  "name": "Digital Clock",
-  "icon": "⏰",
-  "description": "A beautiful digital clock"
-}
-```
-**Result:** Tab shows: `⏰ Digital Clock`
-
-### Sports Scores Plugin
-```json
-{
-  "id": "sports-scores",
-  "name": "Sports Scores",
-  "icon": "fas fa-trophy",
-  "description": "Live sports scores"
-}
-```
-**Result:** Tab shows: `🏆 Sports Scores`
-
-### Custom Branding
-```json
-{
-  "id": "company-dashboard",
-  "name": "Company Dashboard",
-  "icon": "/plugins/company-dashboard/logo.svg",
-  "description": "Company metrics display"
-}
-```
-**Result:** Tab shows: `[logo] Company Dashboard`
-
-## Best Practices
-
-### 1. Choose Meaningful Icons
-- Icon should relate to plugin functionality
-- Users should understand what the plugin does at a glance
-- Avoid generic icons for specific functionality
-
-### 2. Keep It Simple
-- Simpler icons work better at small sizes
-- Avoid icons with too much detail
-- Test how your icon looks at 16x16 pixels
-
-### 3. Match the UI Style
-- Font Awesome icons match the interface best
-- If using emoji, consider contrast with background
-- Custom images should use similar color schemes
-
-### 4. Consider Accessibility
-- Icons should be recognizable without color
-- Don't rely solely on color to convey meaning
-- The plugin name should be descriptive
-
-### 5. Test on Different Displays
-- Check icon clarity on various screen sizes
-- Ensure emoji render correctly on target devices
-- Custom images should have good contrast
-
-## Icon Categories
-
-Here are recommended icons by plugin category:
-
-### Time & Calendar
-- `fas fa-clock`, `fas fa-calendar`, `fas fa-hourglass`
-- Emoji: ⏰ 📅 ⏱️
-
-### Weather
-- `fas fa-cloud-sun`, `fas fa-temperature-high`, `fas fa-wind`
-- Emoji: ☀️ 🌧️ ⛈️
-
-### Finance & Stocks
-- `fas fa-chart-line`, `fas fa-dollar-sign`, `fas fa-coins`
-- Emoji: 💰 📈 💵
-
-### Sports & Games
-- `fas fa-football-ball`, `fas fa-trophy`, `fas fa-gamepad`
-- Emoji: ⚽ 🏀 🎮
-
-### Entertainment
-- `fas fa-music`, `fas fa-film`, `fas fa-tv`
-- Emoji: 🎵 🎬 📺
-
-### News & Information
-- `fas fa-newspaper`, `fas fa-rss`, `fas fa-info-circle`
-- Emoji: 📰 📡 ℹ️
-
-### Utilities
-- `fas fa-tools`, `fas fa-cog`, `fas fa-wrench`
-- Emoji: 🔧 ⚙️ 🛠️
-
-### Social Media
-- `fab fa-twitter`, `fab fa-facebook`, `fab fa-instagram`
-- Emoji: 📱 💬 📧
+With no `icon` (or an empty one) the tab shows `fas fa-puzzle-piece`.
 
 ## Troubleshooting
 
-### Icon Not Showing
-1. Check that the `icon` field is correctly spelled in `manifest.json`
-2. For Font Awesome icons, verify the class name is correct
-3. For custom images, check that the file path is accessible
-4. Refresh the plugins in the web interface
-5. Check browser console for errors
-
-### Emoji Looks Wrong
-- Some emojis render differently on different platforms
-- Try a different emoji if one doesn't work well
-- Consider using Font Awesome instead for consistency
-
-### Custom Image Not Loading
-- Verify the image file exists in the specified path
-- Check file permissions (should be readable)
-- Try using an absolute path or URL
-- Ensure image format is supported (PNG, SVG, JPG, GIF)
-- Check image dimensions (16x16 to 32x32 recommended)
-
-### Icon Too Large/Small
-- Font Awesome and emoji icons automatically size correctly
-- For custom images, adjust the image file dimensions
-- SVG images scale best
-
-## Default Behavior
-
-If you don't specify an `icon` field in your manifest:
-- The plugin tab will show a default puzzle piece icon: 🧩
-- This is the fallback for all plugins without custom icons
-
-## Technical Details
-
-The icon system works as follows:
-
-1. **Frontend reads manifest**: When plugins load, the web interface reads each plugin's `manifest.json`
-2. **Icon detection**: The `getPluginIcon()` function determines icon type:
-   - Contains `fa-` → Font Awesome icon
-   - 1-4 characters → Emoji
-   - Starts with `http://`, `https://`, or `/` → Custom image
-   - Otherwise → Default puzzle piece
-3. **Rendering**: Icon HTML is generated and inserted into:
-   - Tab button in navigation bar
-   - Configuration page header
-
-## Advanced: Dynamic Icons
-
-Want to change icons programmatically? While not officially supported, you could:
-
-1. Store multiple icon options in your manifest
-2. Use JavaScript to swap icons based on plugin state
-3. Update the manifest dynamically and refresh plugins
-
-**Example (advanced):**
-```json
-{
-  "id": "status-display",
-  "icon": "fas fa-circle",
-  "icon_states": {
-    "active": "fas fa-check-circle",
-    "error": "fas fa-exclamation-circle",
-    "warning": "fas fa-exclamation-triangle"
-  }
-}
-```
+1. Check the class name against the Font Awesome 6 Free gallery; a Pro-only
+   or misspelled class renders as a blank space.
+2. Include the style prefix (`fas`, `far` or `fab`) as well as the icon
+   class.
+3. The manifest is re-read on each plugin list load; reload the page after
+   editing `icon`.
 
 ## Related Documentation
 
-- [Plugin Configuration Tabs](PLUGIN_CONFIGURATION_TABS.md) - Main plugin tabs documentation
-- [Plugin Development Guide](plugin_docs/) - How to create plugins
-- [Font Awesome Icons](https://fontawesome.com/icons) - Browse all available icons
-- [Emoji Reference](https://unicode.org/emoji/charts/full-emoji-list.html) - All emoji options
-
-## Summary
-
-Adding a custom icon to your plugin:
-
-1. **Choose** your icon (Font Awesome, emoji, or custom image)
-2. **Add** the `icon` field to `manifest.json`
-3. **Test** in the web interface
-
-That's it! Your plugin now has a professional, recognizable icon in the UI. 🎨
-
+- [Plugin Configuration Tabs](PLUGIN_CONFIGURATION_TABS.md)
+- [Plugin Development Guide](PLUGIN_DEVELOPMENT_GUIDE.md)

docs/PLUGIN_CUSTOM_ICONS_FEATURE.md

@@ -1,434 +0,0 @@
-# Plugin Custom Icons Feature
-
-> **Note:** this doc was originally written against the v2 web
-> interface. The v3 web interface now honors the same `icon` field
-> in `manifest.json` — the API passes it through at
-> `web_interface/blueprints/api_v3.py` and the three plugin-tab
-> render sites in `web_interface/templates/v3/base.html` read it
-> with a `fas fa-puzzle-piece` fallback. The guidance below still
-> applies; only the referenced template/helper names differ.
-
-## What Was Implemented
-
-You asked: **"How could a plugin add their own custom icon?"**
-
-**Answer:** Plugins can now specify custom icons in their `manifest.json` file using the `icon` field!
-
-## Features Delivered
-
-✅ **Font Awesome Support** - Use any Font Awesome icon (e.g., `fas fa-clock`)  
-✅ **Emoji Support** - Use any emoji character (e.g., `⏰` or `👋`)  
-✅ **Custom Image Support** - Use custom image files or URLs  
-✅ **Automatic Detection** - System automatically detects icon type  
-✅ **Fallback Support** - Default puzzle piece icon if none specified  
-✅ **Tab & Header Icons** - Icons appear in both tab buttons and configuration page headers  
-
-## How It Works
-
-### For Plugin Developers
-
-Simply add an `icon` field to your plugin's `manifest.json`:
-
-```json
-{
-  "id": "my-plugin",
-  "name": "My Plugin",
-  "icon": "fas fa-star",  // ← Add this line
-  "config_schema": "config_schema.json",
-  ...
-}
-```
-
-### Three Icon Types Supported
-
-#### 1. Font Awesome Icons (Recommended)
-```json
-"icon": "fas fa-clock"
-```
-
-Best for: Professional, consistent UI appearance
-
-#### 2. Emoji Icons (Fun!)
-```json
-"icon": "⏰"
-```
-
-Best for: Colorful, fun plugins; no setup needed
-
-#### 3. Custom Images
-```json
-"icon": "/plugins/my-plugin/logo.png"
-```
-
-Best for: Unique branding; requires image file
-
-## Implementation Details
-
-### Frontend Changes (`templates/index_v2.html`)
-
-**New Function: `getPluginIcon(plugin)`**
-- Checks if plugin has `icon` field in manifest
-- Detects icon type automatically:
-  - Contains `fa-` → Font Awesome
-  - 1-4 characters → Emoji
-  - Starts with URL/path → Custom image
-  - Otherwise → Default puzzle piece
-
-**Updated Functions:**
-- `generatePluginTabs()` - Uses custom icon for tab button
-- `generatePluginConfigForm()` - Uses custom icon in page header
-
-### Example Plugin Updates
-
-**hello-world plugin:**
-```json
-"icon": "👋"
-```
-
-**clock-simple plugin:**
-```json
-"icon": "fas fa-clock"
-```
-
-## Code Example
-
-Here's what the icon detection logic does. **Important:** Plugin manifests must be treated as untrusted input and require escaping/validation before rendering.
-
-```javascript
-// Helper function to escape HTML entities
-function escapeHtml(text) {
-    const div = document.createElement('div');
-    div.textContent = text;
-    return div.innerHTML;
-}
-
-// Helper function to validate and sanitize image URLs
-function isValidImageUrl(url) {
-    if (!url || typeof url !== 'string') {
-        return false;
-    }
-    
-    // Only allow http, https, or relative paths starting with /
-    const allowedProtocols = ['http:', 'https:'];
-    const urlLower = url.toLowerCase().trim();
-    
-    // Reject dangerous protocols
-    if (urlLower.startsWith('javascript:') || 
-        urlLower.startsWith('data:') || 
-        urlLower.startsWith('vbscript:') ||
-        urlLower.startsWith('onerror=') ||
-        urlLower.startsWith('onload=')) {
-        return false;
-    }
-    
-    // Allow relative paths starting with /
-    if (url.startsWith('/')) {
-        return true;
-    }
-    
-    // Validate absolute URLs
-    try {
-        const urlObj = new URL(url);
-        return allowedProtocols.includes(urlObj.protocol);
-    } catch (e) {
-        // Invalid URL format
-        return false;
-    }
-}
-
-// Helper function to safely validate Font Awesome class names
-function isValidFontAwesomeClass(icon) {
-    // Whitelist pattern: only allow alphanumeric, dash, underscore, and spaces
-    // Must contain 'fa-' for Font Awesome
-    const faPattern = /^[a-zA-Z0-9\s_-]*fa-[a-zA-Z0-9-]+[a-zA-Z0-9\s_-]*$/;
-    return faPattern.test(icon) && icon.includes('fa-');
-}
-
-function getPluginIcon(plugin) {
-    if (plugin.icon) {
-        const icon = String(plugin.icon).trim();
-        
-        // Font Awesome icon - escape class name to prevent XSS
-        if (isValidFontAwesomeClass(icon)) {
-            const escapedIcon = escapeHtml(icon);
-            return `<i class="${escapedIcon}"></i>`;
-        }
-        
-        // Emoji - use textContent to safely render (no HTML injection possible)
-        if (icon.length <= 4) {
-            // Create element and set textContent (safe from XSS)
-            const span = document.createElement('span');
-            span.style.fontSize = '1.1em';
-            span.textContent = icon; // textContent automatically escapes
-            return span.outerHTML;
-        }
-        
-        // Custom image - validate URL and set src attribute safely
-        if (isValidImageUrl(icon)) {
-            // Create img element and set attributes safely
-            const img = document.createElement('img');
-            img.src = icon; // URL already validated
-            img.alt = '';
-            img.style.width = '16px';
-            img.style.height = '16px';
-            return img.outerHTML;
-        }
-    }
-    
-    // Default fallback
-    return '<i class="fas fa-puzzle-piece"></i>';
-}
-```
-
-**Security Notes:**
-- Plugin manifests are treated as untrusted input
-- All text content is escaped using `escapeHtml()` or `textContent`
-- Image URLs are validated to only allow `http://`, `https://`, or relative paths starting with `/`
-- Dangerous protocols (`javascript:`, `data:`, etc.) are explicitly rejected
-- Font Awesome class names are validated against a whitelist pattern
-- DOM elements are created and attributes set directly rather than using string interpolation
-
-## Visual Examples
-
-### Before (No Custom Icons)
-```
-[🧩 Hello World] [🧩 Clock Simple] [🧩 Weather Display]
-```
-
-### After (With Custom Icons)
-```
-[👋 Hello World] [⏰ Clock Simple] [☀️ Weather Display]
-```
-
-## Documentation Created
-
-📚 **Comprehensive guide:** `docs/PLUGIN_CUSTOM_ICONS.md`
-
-Contains:
-- Complete icon type explanations
-- Font Awesome icon recommendations by category
-- Emoji suggestions for common plugin types
-- Custom image guidelines
-- Best practices and troubleshooting
-- Examples for every use case
-
-📝 **Updated existing docs:**
-- `PLUGIN_CONFIGURATION_TABS.md` - Added icon reference
-- `PLUGIN_CONFIG_TABS_SUMMARY.md` - Added icon quick tip
-- `PLUGIN_CONFIG_QUICK_START.md` - Added icon bonus section
-
-## Popular Icon Recommendations
-
-### By Plugin Category
-
-**Time & Calendar**
-- Font Awesome: `fas fa-clock`, `fas fa-calendar`, `fas fa-hourglass`
-- Emoji: ⏰ 📅 ⏱️
-
-**Weather**
-- Font Awesome: `fas fa-cloud-sun`, `fas fa-temperature-high`
-- Emoji: ☀️ 🌧️ ⛈️
-
-**Finance**
-- Font Awesome: `fas fa-chart-line`, `fas fa-dollar-sign`
-- Emoji: 💰 📈 💵
-
-**Sports**
-- Font Awesome: `fas fa-football-ball`, `fas fa-trophy`
-- Emoji: ⚽ 🏀 🎮
-
-**Music**
-- Font Awesome: `fas fa-music`, `fas fa-headphones`
-- Emoji: 🎵 🎶 🎸
-
-**News**
-- Font Awesome: `fas fa-newspaper`, `fas fa-rss`
-- Emoji: 📰 📡 📻
-
-**Utilities**
-- Font Awesome: `fas fa-tools`, `fas fa-cog`
-- Emoji: 🔧 ⚙️ 🛠️
-
-## Usage Examples
-
-### Weather Plugin
-```json
-{
-  "id": "weather-pro",
-  "name": "Weather Pro",
-  "icon": "fas fa-cloud-sun",
-  "description": "Advanced weather display"
-}
-```
-Result: `☁️ Weather Pro` tab
-
-### Game Scores
-```json
-{
-  "id": "game-scores",
-  "name": "Game Scores",
-  "icon": "🎮",
-  "description": "Live game scores"
-}
-```
-Result: `🎮 Game Scores` tab
-
-### Custom Branding
-```json
-{
-  "id": "company-metrics",
-  "name": "Company Metrics",
-  "icon": "/plugins/company-metrics/logo.svg",
-  "description": "Internal dashboard"
-}
-```
-Result: `[logo] Company Metrics` tab
-
-## Benefits
-
-### For Users
-- **Visual Recognition** - Instantly identify plugins
-- **Better Navigation** - Find plugins faster
-- **Professional Appearance** - Polished, modern UI
-
-### For Developers
-- **Easy to Add** - Just one line in manifest
-- **Flexible Options** - Choose what fits your plugin
-- **No Code Required** - Pure configuration
-
-### For the Project
-- **Plugin Differentiation** - Each plugin stands out
-- **Enhanced UX** - More intuitive interface
-- **Branding Support** - Plugins can show identity
-
-## Backward Compatibility
-
-✅ **Fully backward compatible**  
-- Plugins without `icon` field still work  
-- Default puzzle piece icon used automatically  
-- No breaking changes to existing plugins  
-
-## Testing
-
-To test custom icons:
-
-1. **Open web interface** at `http://your-pi-ip:5000`
-2. **Check installed plugins**:
-   - Hello World should show 👋
-   - Clock Simple should show 🕐
-3. **Install a new plugin** with custom icon
-4. **Verify icon appears** in:
-   - Tab navigation bar
-   - Plugin configuration page header
-
-## File Changes
-
-### Modified Files
-- `templates/index_v2.html`
-  - Added `getPluginIcon()` function
-  - Updated `generatePluginTabs()` 
-  - Updated `generatePluginConfigForm()`
-
-### Updated Plugin Manifests
-- `ledmatrix-plugins/plugins/hello-world/manifest.json` - Added emoji icon
-- `ledmatrix-plugins/plugins/clock-simple/manifest.json` - Added Font Awesome icon
-
-### New Documentation
-- `docs/PLUGIN_CUSTOM_ICONS.md` - Complete guide (80+ lines)
-
-### Updated Documentation
-- `docs/PLUGIN_CONFIGURATION_TABS.md`
-- `docs/PLUGIN_CONFIG_TABS_SUMMARY.md`
-- `docs/PLUGIN_CONFIG_QUICK_START.md`
-
-## Quick Reference
-
-### Add Icon to Your Plugin
-
-```json
-{
-  "id": "your-plugin",
-  "name": "Your Plugin Name",
-  "icon": "fas fa-star",  // or emoji or image URL
-  "config_schema": "config_schema.json",
-  ...
-}
-```
-
-### Icon Format Examples
-
-```json
-// Font Awesome
-"icon": "fas fa-star"
-"icon": "far fa-heart"
-"icon": "fab fa-twitter"
-
-// Emoji
-"icon": "⭐"
-"icon": "❤️"
-"icon": "🐦"
-
-// Custom Image
-"icon": "/plugins/my-plugin/icon.png"
-"icon": "https://example.com/logo.svg"
-```
-
-## Browse Available Icons
-
-- **Font Awesome:** [fontawesome.com/icons](https://fontawesome.com/icons) (Free tier includes 2,000+ icons)
-- **Emojis:** [unicode.org/emoji](https://unicode.org/emoji/charts/full-emoji-list.html)
-
-## Best Practices
-
-1. **Choose meaningful icons** - Icon should relate to plugin function
-2. **Keep it simple** - Works better at small sizes
-3. **Test visibility** - Ensure icon is clear at 16px
-4. **Match UI style** - Font Awesome recommended for consistency
-5. **Document choice** - Note icon meaning in plugin README
-
-## Troubleshooting
-
-**Icon not showing?**
-- Check manifest syntax (JSON valid?)
-- Verify icon field spelling
-- Refresh plugins in web interface
-- Check browser console for errors
-
-**Wrong icon appearing?**
-- Font Awesome: Verify class name at fontawesome.com
-- Emoji: Try different emoji (platform rendering varies)
-- Custom image: Check file path and permissions
-
-## Future Enhancements
-
-Possible future improvements:
-- Icon picker in plugin store
-- Animated icons support
-- SVG path support
-- Icon themes/styles
-- Dynamic icon changes based on state
-
-## Summary
-
-**Mission accomplished!** 🎉
-
-Plugins can now have custom icons by adding one line to their manifest:
-
-```json
-"icon": "fas fa-your-icon"
-```
-
-Three formats supported:
-- ✅ Font Awesome (professional)
-- ✅ Emoji (fun)
-- ✅ Custom images (branded)
-
-The feature is:
-- ✅ Easy to use (one line)
-- ✅ Flexible (three options)
-- ✅ Backward compatible
-- ✅ Well documented
-- ✅ Already working in example plugins
-
-**Ready to use!** 🚀
-

docs/PLUGIN_DEPENDENCY_GUIDE.md

@@ -2,234 +2,161 @@
 
 ## Overview
 
-The LEDMatrix system has smart dependency installation that adapts based on who is running it. This guide explains how it works and potential pitfalls.
+A plugin lists its Python packages in its `requirements.txt`. LEDMatrix
+installs them for you when a plugin is installed, updated or loaded. This
+guide explains where they end up and what to do when a plugin can't import a
+package.
 
-## How It Works
+The rule to remember: **packages must be importable by `ledmatrix.service`,
+which runs as root.** Anything installed only into another user's
+`~/.local/` is invisible to it.
 
-### Execution Context Detection
+## Who Runs What
 
-The plugin manager checks if it's running as root:
-```python
-running_as_root = os.geteuid() == 0
+| Service | Runs as | Set by |
+|---------|---------|--------|
+| `ledmatrix.service` (display) | `root` | `systemd/ledmatrix.service` |
+| `ledmatrix-web.service` (web UI) | the user who ran the installer (e.g. `ledpi`) | `User=__USER__` in `systemd/ledmatrix-web.service`, filled in by `scripts/install/install_service.sh` |
+
+## How Dependencies Get Installed
+
+### 1. Installing or updating a plugin from the web UI
+
+The web interface is not root, so it installs through a narrow sudo helper:
+
+1. `PluginStoreManager._install_dependencies()`
+   (`src/plugin_system/store_install.py`) calls
+   `install_requirements_file()` (`src/common/permission_utils.py`).
+2. That runs `sudo -n bash scripts/fix_perms/safe_pip_install.sh <plugin>/requirements.txt`.
+   The helper checks the path is the project's own `requirements.txt` or a
+   `requirements.txt` under `plugin-repos/` or `plugins/`, then runs
+   `python3 -m pip install --break-system-packages --ignore-installed -r ...`
+   **as root**, so the display service can import the packages.
+3. The sudoers rule that allows this is written by the installer
+   (`first_time_install.sh`) or by `scripts/install/configure_web_sudo.sh`.
+
+If sudo refuses (the rule isn't installed), `install_requirements_file()`
+falls back to installing with the web process's own interpreter, as the web
+user, and prefixes the pip output with a note like:
+
+```
+[Root install unavailable (...); installed for the current process's user only.
+Packages may not be visible to ledmatrix.service if it runs as a different
+user — run scripts/install/configure_web_sudo.sh to fix this.]
 ```
 
-Based on this, it chooses the appropriate installation method:
+Fix it by running `./scripts/install/configure_web_sudo.sh` as the web
+user (not with `sudo`; it asks for your password itself), then
+reinstall the plugin (or use the manual install below).
 
-| Running As | Installation Method | Location | Accessible To |
-|------------|-------------------|----------|---------------|
-| **root** (systemd service) | System-wide (`--break-system-packages`) | `/usr/local/lib/python3.X/dist-packages/` | All users |
-| **ledpi** or other user | User-specific (`--user`) | `~/.local/lib/python3.X/site-packages/` | Only that user |
+The **Reinstall Plugin Deps** button on the web UI's Tools tab goes
+through the same helper for every installed plugin.
+
+### 2. Loading a plugin
+
+When a plugin loads, `PluginLoader.install_dependencies()`
+(`src/plugin_system/plugin_loader.py`) checks its `requirements.txt`. If the
+requirements are already satisfied it does nothing; otherwise it runs
+`python3 -m pip install --break-system-packages -r requirements.txt` with the
+interpreter of the process doing the loading (retrying with
+`--ignore-installed` when a system package without a pip RECORD file is in
+the way).
+
+In `ledmatrix.service` that process is root, so restarting the display
+service installs anything missing system-wide:
+
+```bash
+sudo systemctl restart ledmatrix
+```
+
+If you run `python3 run.py` by hand as a normal user instead, pip cannot
+write to the system site-packages and installs into your `~/.local/`. That
+works for your manual run but not for the service.
 
 ## Common Scenarios
 
-### ✅ Scenario 1: Normal Production Use (Recommended)
+### Installing plugins from the web UI (recommended)
 
-**What:** Services running via systemd
+Use the **Plugin Manager** tab. Dependencies are installed as root through
+the sudo helper and the display service can use them.
+
+### Running the display manually for debugging
 
 ```bash
-sudo systemctl start ledmatrix
-sudo systemctl start ledmatrix-web
+cd ~/LEDMatrix
+sudo python3 run.py        # same user as the service
 ```
 
-- **Runs as:** root (configured in .service files)
-- **Installs to:** System-wide
-- **Result:** ✅ Works perfectly, all dependencies accessible
+Running as your own user works for plugins whose packages are already
+installed system-wide, but any *missing* package lands in `~/.local/`.
 
-### ✅ Scenario 2: Web Interface Plugin Installation
+### A plugin works when run manually but fails in the service
 
-**What:** Installing/enabling plugins via web interface at `http://pi-ip:5000`
+Its packages were installed for your user only. Install them as root (see
+below) and restart the service.
 
-- **Web service runs as:** root (ledmatrix-web.service)
-- **Installs to:** System-wide
-- **Result:** ✅ Works perfectly, systemd service can access them
+## Manual Installation
 
-### ✅ Scenario 3: Manual Testing as ledpi (Read-only)
-
-**What:** Running display manually as ledpi to test/debug
+### All plugins
 
 ```bash
-# As ledpi user
-cd /home/ledpi/LEDMatrix
-python3 run.py
-```
-
-- **Runs as:** ledpi
-- **Can import:** ✅ System-wide packages (installed by root)
-- **Result:** ✅ Works! Can use existing plugins with root-installed dependencies
-
-### ⚠️ Scenario 4: Manual Plugin Installation as ledpi (Problematic)
-
-**What:** Enabling a NEW plugin and running manually as ledpi
-
-```bash
-# As ledpi user
-cd /home/ledpi/LEDMatrix
-# Edit config to enable new plugin
-nano config/config.json
-# Run display - will try to install new plugin dependencies
-python3 run.py
-```
-
-**What Happens:**
-1. Plugin manager runs as `ledpi`
-2. Installs dependencies with `--user` flag
-3. Dependencies go to `~/.local/lib/python3.X/site-packages/`
-4. ⚠️ **Warning logged:** "Installing plugin dependencies for current user (not root)"
-
-**Problem:**
-- When systemd service restarts (as root), it **can't see** `~/.local/` packages
-- Plugin will fail to load for the systemd service
-
-**Solution:**
-After testing, restart the service to install dependencies system-wide:
-```bash
+sudo ~/LEDMatrix/scripts/install_plugin_dependencies.sh
 sudo systemctl restart ledmatrix
 ```
 
-## Best Practices
+The script installs every `requirements.txt` found in the plugins directory
+configured by `plugin_system.plugins_directory` in `config/config.json`
+(default `plugin-repos/`). Run it with `sudo` so the packages are installed
+system-wide.
 
-### For Production/Normal Use
+### One plugin
 
-1. **Always use the web interface** to install/enable plugins
-2. **Or restart the systemd service** after config changes:
-   ```bash
-   sudo systemctl restart ledmatrix
-   ```
-
-### For Development/Testing
-
-1. **Read existing plugins:** Safe to run as `ledpi` - can import system packages
-2. **Test new plugins:** Use sudo or restart service to install dependencies:
-   ```bash
-   # Option 1: Run as root
-   sudo python3 run.py
-   
-   # Option 2: Install deps manually
-   sudo pip3 install --break-system-packages -r plugins/my-plugin/requirements.txt
-   python3 run.py
-   
-   # Option 3: Let service install them
-   sudo systemctl restart ledmatrix
-   ```
-
-## Warning Messages
-
-### If you see this warning:
-```
-Installing plugin dependencies for current user (not root).
-These will NOT be accessible to the systemd service.
-For production use, install plugins via the web interface or restart the ledmatrix service.
-```
-
-**What it means:**
-- You're running as a non-root user
-- Dependencies were installed to your user directory only
-- The systemd service won't be able to use this plugin
-
-**What to do:**
 ```bash
-# Restart the service to install dependencies system-wide
+cd ~/LEDMatrix/plugin-repos/PLUGIN-NAME     # or your configured plugins directory
+sudo python3 -m pip install --break-system-packages --no-cache-dir -r requirements.txt
 sudo systemctl restart ledmatrix
 ```
 
+`--no-cache-dir` avoids errors about `/root/.cache/pip` not being writable.
+
 ## Troubleshooting
 
-### Plugin works when I run manually but fails in systemd service
-
-**Cause:** Dependencies installed to user directory (`~/.local/`) instead of system-wide
-
-**Fix:**
-```bash
-# Check where package is installed
-pip3 list -v | grep <package-name>
-
-# If it shows ~/.local/, reinstall system-wide:
-sudo pip3 install --break-system-packages <package-name>
-
-# Or just restart the service:
-sudo systemctl restart ledmatrix
-```
-
 ### Permission denied when installing dependencies
 
-**If you see errors like:**
 ```
 ERROR: Could not install packages due to an OSError: [Errno 13] Permission denied: '/root/.local'
 WARNING: The directory '/root/.cache/pip' or its parent directory is not owned or is not writable
 ```
 
-**Quick Fix - Use the Helper Script:**
-```bash
-sudo /home/ledpi/LEDMatrix/scripts/install_plugin_dependencies.sh
-sudo systemctl restart ledmatrix
-```
+Use one of the manual installs above (they pass `--no-cache-dir`).
 
-**Manual Fix:**
-```bash
-# Install dependencies with --no-cache-dir to avoid cache permission issues
-cd /home/ledpi/LEDMatrix/plugins/PLUGIN-NAME
-sudo pip3 install --break-system-packages --no-cache-dir -r requirements.txt
-sudo systemctl restart ledmatrix
-```
-
-**For more detailed troubleshooting, see:** [Plugin Dependency Troubleshooting Guide](PLUGIN_DEPENDENCY_TROUBLESHOOTING.md)
-
-## Architecture Summary
-
-```
-┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
-│                    LEDMatrix Services                        │
-├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
-│                                                              │
-│  ledmatrix.service (User=root)                              │
-│  ledmatrix-web.service (User=root)                          │
-│  ├── Install dependencies system-wide                        │
-│  └── Accessible to all users                                 │
-│                                                              │
-├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
-│                                                              │
-│  Manual execution as ledpi                                   │
-│  ├── Can READ system-wide packages ✅                        │
-│  ├── WRITES go to ~/.local/ ⚠️                               │
-│  └── Not accessible to root service                          │
-│                                                              │
-└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
-```
-
-## Recommendations
-
-1. **For end users:** Always use the web interface for plugin management
-2. **For developers:** Be aware of the user context when testing
-3. **For plugin authors:** Test with `sudo systemctl restart ledmatrix` to ensure dependencies install correctly
-4. **For CI/CD:** Always run installation as root or use the service
-
-## Helper Scripts
-
-### Install Plugin Dependencies Script
-
-Located at: `scripts/install_plugin_dependencies.sh`
-
-This script automatically finds and installs dependencies for all plugins:
+### Checking where a package is installed
 
 ```bash
-# Run as root (recommended for production)
-sudo /home/ledpi/LEDMatrix/scripts/install_plugin_dependencies.sh
+# How the service sees it
+sudo python3 -c "import package_name; print(package_name.__file__)"
 
-# Make executable if needed
-chmod +x /home/ledpi/LEDMatrix/scripts/install_plugin_dependencies.sh
+# A path under /home/<user>/.local/ means it was installed for that user only
+python3 -m pip show -f package_name
 ```
 
-Features:
-- Auto-detects all plugins with requirements.txt
-- Uses correct installation method (system-wide vs user)
-- Bypasses pip cache to avoid permission issues
-- Provides detailed logging and error messages
+For more, see the [Plugin Dependency Troubleshooting Guide](PLUGIN_DEPENDENCY_TROUBLESHOOTING.md).
+
+## For Plugin Authors
+
+1. Keep `requirements.txt` minimal and pin only what you need.
+2. Test that it installs the way the Pi will install it:
+   ```bash
+   sudo python3 -m pip install --break-system-packages --no-cache-dir -r requirements.txt
+   ```
+3. Note any `apt` packages your plugin needs in its README.
 
 ## Files to Reference
 
-- Service configs: `ledmatrix.service`, `ledmatrix-web.service`
-- Plugin manager: `src/plugin_system/plugin_manager.py`
-- Installation script: `first_time_install.sh`
-- Dependency installer: `scripts/install_plugin_dependencies.sh`
-- Troubleshooting guide: `PLUGIN_DEPENDENCY_TROUBLESHOOTING.md`
-
+- Service units: `systemd/ledmatrix.service`, `systemd/ledmatrix-web.service`
+- Store installs: `src/plugin_system/store_install.py` (`_install_dependencies`)
+- Root install helper: `src/common/permission_utils.py` (`install_requirements_file`), `scripts/fix_perms/safe_pip_install.sh`
+- Load-time installs: `src/plugin_system/plugin_loader.py` (`install_dependencies`)
+- Sudo rules: `scripts/install/lib_sudoers.sh` (written by `first_time_install.sh`
+  and `scripts/install/configure_web_sudo.sh`)
+- Manual installer: `scripts/install_plugin_dependencies.sh`

docs/PLUGIN_DEPENDENCY_TROUBLESHOOTING.md

@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 # Plugin Dependency Installation Troubleshooting
 
-This guide helps resolve issues with automatic plugin dependency installation in the LEDMatrix system.
+This guide helps resolve problems installing a plugin's Python packages. For
+how installation works, see the [Plugin Dependency Guide](PLUGIN_DEPENDENCY_GUIDE.md).
 
 ## Common Error Symptoms
 
@@ -10,109 +11,118 @@ ERROR: Could not install packages due to an OSError: [Errno 13] Permission denie
 WARNING: The directory '/root/.cache/pip' or its parent directory is not owned or is not writable
 ```
 
-### Context Mismatch
+### Installed for the wrong user
+The pip output shown after a web-UI install starts with:
 ```
-WARNING: Installing plugin dependencies for current user (not root). 
-These will NOT be accessible to the systemd service.
+[Root install unavailable (...); installed for the current process's user only.
+Packages may not be visible to ledmatrix.service if it runs as a different
+user — run scripts/install/configure_web_sudo.sh to fix this.]
 ```
 
+### Plugin fails to load with `ModuleNotFoundError`
+The display service can't see a package the plugin needs.
+
 ## Root Cause
 
-Plugin dependencies must be installed in a context accessible to the LEDMatrix systemd service, which runs as root. Permission errors typically occur when:
+Plugin packages must be importable by `ledmatrix.service`, which runs as
+root. The web interface (`ledmatrix-web.service`) runs as the user who
+installed LEDMatrix, so it installs through a sudo helper
+(`scripts/fix_perms/safe_pip_install.sh`). Problems usually come from:
 
-1. The pip cache directory has incorrect permissions
-2. The process tries to install to user directories without proper permissions
-3. Environment variables (like HOME) are not set correctly for the service context
+1. The sudoers rule for that helper missing, so the web UI installed the
+   packages for its own user only
+2. Running `python3 run.py` by hand as a normal user, which installs missing
+   packages into `~/.local/`
+3. pip's cache directory not being writable for root
 
 ## Solutions
 
-### Solution 1: Use the Manual Installation Script (Recommended)
-
-We provide a helper script that handles dependency installation correctly:
+### Solution 1: Restore the sudo rule, then reinstall
 
 ```bash
-# Run as root to install system-wide (for production)
-sudo /home/ledpi/LEDMatrix/scripts/install_plugin_dependencies.sh
+cd ~/LEDMatrix
+./scripts/install/configure_web_sudo.sh   # as the web user, not with sudo
+```
 
-# After installation, restart the service
+Then reinstall the plugin from the **Plugin Manager** tab, or click
+**Reinstall Plugin Deps** on the **Tools** tab.
+
+### Solution 2: Install every plugin's dependencies from the terminal
+
+```bash
+sudo ~/LEDMatrix/scripts/install_plugin_dependencies.sh
 sudo systemctl restart ledmatrix
 ```
 
-This script:
-- Detects all plugins with requirements.txt files
-- Installs dependencies with correct permissions
-- Uses `--no-cache-dir` to avoid cache permission issues
-- Provides detailed logging for troubleshooting
+The script finds each `requirements.txt` in the plugins directory set by
+`plugin_system.plugins_directory` in `config/config.json` (default
+`plugin-repos/`), installs with `--no-cache-dir`, and reports what it found.
 
-### Solution 2: Manual Installation per Plugin
-
-If you need to install dependencies for a specific plugin:
+### Solution 3: Install one plugin's dependencies
 
 ```bash
-# Navigate to the plugin directory
-cd /home/ledpi/LEDMatrix/plugins/PLUGIN-NAME
+# Your configured plugins directory; plugin-repos/ by default
+cd ~/LEDMatrix/plugin-repos/PLUGIN-NAME
 
-# Install as root (system-wide)
-sudo pip3 install --break-system-packages --no-cache-dir -r requirements.txt
+sudo python3 -m pip install --break-system-packages --no-cache-dir -r requirements.txt
 
-# Restart the service
 sudo systemctl restart ledmatrix
 ```
 
-### Solution 3: Fix Cache Directory Permissions
+### Solution 4: Let the display service install them
 
-If you specifically have cache permission issues:
+When a plugin loads, the display service installs any missing requirements
+itself, as root:
+
+```bash
+sudo systemctl restart ledmatrix
+sudo journalctl -u ledmatrix -f     # watch for "Installing dependencies for plugin ..."
+```
+
+### Solution 5: Fix pip cache permissions
 
 ```bash
 # Option A: Skip the cache (recommended)
-sudo pip3 install --no-cache-dir --break-system-packages -r requirements.txt
+sudo python3 -m pip install --no-cache-dir --break-system-packages -r requirements.txt
 
-# Option B: Fix cache permissions (if needed)
+# Option B: Fix cache permissions
 sudo mkdir -p /root/.cache/pip
 sudo chown -R root:root /root/.cache
 sudo chmod -R 755 /root/.cache
 ```
 
-### Solution 4: Install via Web Interface
-
-The web interface handles dependency installation correctly in the service context:
-
-1. Access the web interface (`http://ledpi:5000` or `http://your-pi-ip:5000`)
-2. Open the **Plugin Manager** tab (use the **Plugin Store** section to
-   find the plugin, or **Install from GitHub**)
-3. Install the plugin through the web UI
-4. The system automatically handles dependency installation in the
-   service context (which has the right permissions)
-
 ## Prevention
 
 ### For Plugin Developers
 
-When creating plugins with dependencies:
-
 1. **Keep requirements minimal**: Only include essential packages
-2. **Test installation**: Verify your requirements.txt works with:
+2. **Test installation** the way the Pi does it:
    ```bash
-   sudo pip3 install --break-system-packages --no-cache-dir -r requirements.txt
+   sudo python3 -m pip install --break-system-packages --no-cache-dir -r requirements.txt
    ```
 3. **Document dependencies**: Note any system packages needed (via apt)
 
 ### For Users
 
-1. **Use web interface**: Install plugins via the web UI when possible
-2. **Install as root**: When using SSH/terminal, use sudo for plugin installations
-3. **Restart service**: After manual installations, restart the ledmatrix service
+1. **Use the web interface** to install plugins
+2. **Use sudo** for installs from SSH/terminal
+3. **Restart the service** after manual installations
 
 ## Technical Details
 
-### How Dependency Installation Works
+### Where installs happen
 
-The `PluginManager._install_plugin_dependencies()` method:
-
-1. Detects if running as root using `os.geteuid() == 0`
-2. If root: Uses system-wide installation with `--break-system-packages --no-cache-dir`
-3. If not root: Uses user installation with `--user --break-system-packages --no-cache-dir`
-4. The `--no-cache-dir` flag prevents cache-related permission issues
+- **Web UI install/update:** `PluginStoreManager._install_dependencies()`
+  → `install_requirements_file()` in `src/common/permission_utils.py`, which
+  runs `sudo -n bash scripts/fix_perms/safe_pip_install.sh <requirements.txt>`.
+  The helper only accepts the project's `requirements.txt` or one under
+  `plugin-repos/` or `plugins/`, and runs
+  `pip install --break-system-packages --ignore-installed` as root. If sudo
+  refuses, it falls back to a pip install as the web user and says so.
+- **Plugin load:** `PluginLoader.install_dependencies()` in
+  `src/plugin_system/plugin_loader.py` skips satisfied requirements and
+  otherwise runs `pip install --break-system-packages` with the loading
+  process's interpreter — root in `ledmatrix.service`.
 
 ### Why `--break-system-packages`?
 
@@ -120,26 +130,20 @@ Debian 12+ (Bookworm) and Raspberry Pi OS based on it implement PEP 668, which p
 
 ### Service Context
 
-The ledmatrix.service runs as:
-- **User**: root
-- **WorkingDirectory**: /home/ledpi/LEDMatrix
-- **Python**: /usr/bin/python3
+- `ledmatrix.service` runs as **root** with `/usr/bin/python3`
+- `ledmatrix-web.service` runs as **the installing user**
 
-Dependencies must be installed in root's Python environment or system-wide to be accessible.
+Dependencies must be installed system-wide (as root) to be visible to the
+display service.
 
 ## Checking Installation
 
-Verify dependencies are installed correctly:
-
 ```bash
 # Check as root (how the service sees it)
-sudo python3 -c "import package_name"
+sudo python3 -c "import package_name; print(package_name.__file__)"
 
-# List installed packages
-pip3 list
-
-# Check specific package
-pip3 show package_name
+# A path under /home/<user>/.local/ means a user-only install
+python3 -m pip show -f package_name
 ```
 
 ## Getting Help
@@ -151,24 +155,15 @@ If you continue to experience issues:
    sudo journalctl -u ledmatrix -f
    ```
 
-2. Check pip logs (created by manual script):
+2. Verify the plugin manifest and requirements (default plugins directory
+   shown):
    ```bash
-   cat /tmp/pip_install_*.log
-   ```
-
-3. Verify plugin manifest is correct:
-   ```bash
-   cat /home/ledpi/LEDMatrix/plugins/PLUGIN-NAME/manifest.json
-   ```
-
-4. Check plugin requirements:
-   ```bash
-   cat /home/ledpi/LEDMatrix/plugins/PLUGIN-NAME/requirements.txt
+   cat ~/LEDMatrix/plugin-repos/PLUGIN-NAME/manifest.json
+   cat ~/LEDMatrix/plugin-repos/PLUGIN-NAME/requirements.txt
    ```
 
 ## Related Documentation
 
 - [Plugin Dependency Guide](PLUGIN_DEPENDENCY_GUIDE.md)
-- [Plugin Development Guide](docs/plugin_development.md)
-- [Troubleshooting Quick Start](TROUBLESHOOTING_QUICK_START.md)
-
+- [Plugin Development Guide](PLUGIN_DEVELOPMENT_GUIDE.md)
+- [Troubleshooting](TROUBLESHOOTING.md)

docs/PLUGIN_DEVELOPMENT_GUIDE.md

@@ -3,19 +3,15 @@
 This guide explains how to set up a development workflow for plugins that are maintained in separate Git repositories while still being able to test them within the LEDMatrix project.
 
 > **Rendering guidance:** plugins should read the display size dynamically
-> (`self.display_manager.matrix.width/height`) rather than hardcoding one
-> panel. For plugins that want to *scale* their layout to any panel, the
+> (`self.display_manager.width/height`) rather than hardcoding one
+> panel. Don't read `display_manager.matrix.width/height`: `matrix` is
+> `None` when hardware init fails, while the `width`/`height` properties
+> fall back to the canvas size. For plugins that want to *scale* their layout to any panel, the
 > opt-in adaptive layout system ([ADAPTIVE_LAYOUT.md](ADAPTIVE_LAYOUT.md))
 > provides the shared helpers — fonts, images, and composite layouts that
 > scale. Existing plugins keep their classic rendering unless they adopt
 > those APIs; nothing migrates automatically.
 
-> **Just want a different look for an existing sports scoreboard?** You may
-> not need a plugin at all — a **skin** restyles the live/recent/upcoming
-> rendering while the plugin keeps handling data, scheduling, caching, and
-> vegas mode, in ~100 lines of drawing code. See
-> [CREATING_SKINS.md](CREATING_SKINS.md).
-
 ## Overview
 
 When developing plugins in separate repositories, you need a way to:
@@ -43,28 +39,45 @@ The solution uses **symbolic links** to connect plugin repositories to the `plug
 
 ## Quick Start
 
-### 1. Link a Plugin from GitHub
+Official plugins all live in one repository,
+[ledmatrix-plugins](https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-plugins), with
+one directory per plugin under `plugins/` (there are no per-plugin
+`ledmatrix-<name>` repositories). The helper script links a plugin directory
+from a checkout of that monorepo into LEDMatrix's `plugins/` directory.
 
-The easiest way to link a plugin that's already on GitHub:
+### 1. Link an Official Plugin
 
 ```bash
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link-github music
+./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link-github football-scoreboard
 ```
 
 This will:
-- Clone `https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-music.git` to `~/.ledmatrix-dev-plugins/ledmatrix-music`
-- Create a symbolic link from `plugins/music` to the cloned repository
-- Validate that the plugin has a proper `manifest.json`
+- Clone `https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-plugins.git` to
+  `~/.ledmatrix-dev-plugins/ledmatrix-plugins` (or `git pull` it if it is
+  already there)
+- Find `plugins/football-scoreboard` in it (also accepted:
+  `plugins/ledmatrix-<name>`, or a plugin whose manifest `id` is the name)
+- Validate that it has a `manifest.json`
+- Create a symbolic link named after the plugin's manifest id, e.g.
+  `plugins/football-scoreboard` → `~/.ledmatrix-dev-plugins/ledmatrix-plugins/plugins/football-scoreboard`
 
-### 2. Link a Local Plugin Repository
+`link-github music` finds the monorepo's `plugins/ledmatrix-music` directory
+and links it into LEDMatrix as `plugins/ledmatrix-music`, because
+`ledmatrix-music` is that plugin's manifest id.
 
-If you already have a plugin repository cloned locally:
+To work from your fork of the monorepo, set `github_user` in
+`dev_plugins.json` (see [Configuration](#configuration)).
+
+### 2. Link a Local Plugin Directory
+
+If you already have the monorepo (or a third-party plugin repository) cloned
+locally:
 
 ```bash
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link music ../ledmatrix-music
+./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link hello-world ../ledmatrix-plugins/plugins/hello-world
 ```
 
-This creates a symlink from `plugins/music` to your local repository path.
+This creates a symlink from `plugins/hello-world` to that directory.
 
 ### 3. Check Status
 
@@ -77,13 +90,17 @@ See which plugins are linked and their git status:
 ### 4. Work on Your Plugin
 
 ```bash
-cd plugins/music  # Actually editing the linked repository
-# Make your changes
+cd plugins/football-scoreboard  # Actually editing the monorepo checkout
+# Make your changes, then bump "version" in manifest.json
 git add .
-git commit -m "feat: add new feature"
-git push origin main
+git commit -m "feat(football-scoreboard): add new feature"
+git push   # to your fork, then open a PR against ledmatrix-plugins
 ```
 
+In the monorepo, every plugin change must bump `version` in the plugin's
+`manifest.json` and run `python update_registry.py`, or users won't receive
+the update.
+
 ### 5. Update Plugins
 
 Pull latest changes from remote:
@@ -116,7 +133,7 @@ Links a local plugin repository to the plugins directory.
 
 **Example:**
 ```bash
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link football-scoreboard ../ledmatrix-football-scoreboard
+./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link football-scoreboard ../ledmatrix-plugins/plugins/football-scoreboard
 ```
 
 **Notes:**
@@ -129,23 +146,25 @@ Links a local plugin repository to the plugins directory.
 Clones a plugin from GitHub and links it.
 
 **Arguments:**
-- `plugin-name`: The name of the plugin (will be the directory name in `plugins/`)
-- `repo-url`: (Optional) Full GitHub repository URL. If omitted, constructs from pattern: `https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-<plugin-name>.git`
+- `plugin-name`: Without `repo-url`, the plugin to link from the monorepo: a
+  directory under `plugins/` (`<name>` or `ledmatrix-<name>`) or a manifest
+  id. The link is named after the plugin's manifest id. With `repo-url`, the
+  name of the link in `plugins/`.
+- `repo-url`: (Optional) A plugin that has its own repository (e.g. a
+  third-party plugin). The repository root is linked.
 
 **Examples:**
 ```bash
-# Auto-construct URL from plugin name
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link-github music
+# Official plugin, from the ledmatrix-plugins monorepo
+./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link-github stocks
 
-# Use explicit URL
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link-github stocks https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-stocks.git
-
-# Link from a different GitHub user
+# Third-party plugin with its own repository
 ./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link-github custom-plugin https://github.com/OtherUser/custom-plugin.git
 ```
 
 **Notes:**
 - Repositories are cloned to `~/.ledmatrix-dev-plugins/` by default (configurable)
+- The monorepo is cloned once and shared by every plugin you link from it
 - If the repository already exists, it will be updated with `git pull` instead of re-cloning
 - The cloned repository is preserved when you unlink the plugin
 
@@ -217,30 +236,28 @@ Updates plugin(s) by running `git pull` in their repositories.
 
 ### Custom Development Directory
 
-By default, GitHub repositories are cloned to `~/.ledmatrix-dev-plugins/`. You can customize this by creating a `dev_plugins.json` file:
+By default, GitHub repositories are cloned to `~/.ledmatrix-dev-plugins/`
+and official plugins come from `ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-plugins`. To change
+either, copy `dev_plugins.json.example` (in the LEDMatrix root) to
+`dev_plugins.json` and edit it. `dev_plugins.json` is git-ignored.
 
 ```json
 {
-  "dev_plugins_dir": "/path/to/your/dev/plugins",
-  "github_user": "ChuckBuilds",
-  "github_pattern": "ledmatrix-",
-  "plugins": {
-    "music": {
-      "source": "github",
-      "url": "https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-music.git",
-      "branch": "main"
-    }
-  }
+  "dev_plugins_dir": "~/.ledmatrix-dev-plugins",
+  "github_user": "your-github-user",
+  "plugins_repo": "ledmatrix-plugins",
+  "plugins_branch": "main"
 }
 ```
 
-**Configuration options:**
+**Configuration options** (all optional):
 - `dev_plugins_dir`: Where to clone GitHub repositories (default: `~/.ledmatrix-dev-plugins`)
-- `github_user`: Default GitHub username for auto-constructing URLs
-- `github_pattern`: Pattern for repository names (default: `ledmatrix-`)
-- `plugins`: Plugin definitions (optional, for future auto-discovery features)
+- `github_user`: Owner of the plugin monorepo that `link-github <name>` clones — set it to use your fork (default: `ChuckBuilds`)
+- `plugins_repo`: Name of that monorepo (default: `ledmatrix-plugins`)
+- `plugins_branch`: Branch to clone it at (default: the repository's default branch). Only applies when the clone is first made.
 
-**Note:** Copy `dev_plugins.json.example` to `dev_plugins.json` and customize it. The `dev_plugins.json` file is git-ignored.
+`github_pattern` from older versions of this guide is no longer used (the
+script warns if it is set).
 
 ## Development Workflow
 
@@ -248,43 +265,46 @@ By default, GitHub repositories are cloned to `~/.ledmatrix-dev-plugins/`. You c
 
 1. **Link your plugin for development:**
    ```bash
-   ./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link-github music
+   ./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link-github clock-simple
    ```
 
 2. **Test in LEDMatrix:**
    ```bash
-   # Run LEDMatrix with your plugin
-   python run.py
+   # Run LEDMatrix with your plugin (emulator shown)
+   python3 run.py -e
    ```
 
 3. **Make changes:**
    ```bash
-   cd plugins/music
+   cd plugins/clock-simple
    # Edit files...
    # Test changes...
    ```
 
-4. **Commit to plugin repository:**
+4. **Commit to the plugin repository:**
    ```bash
-   cd plugins/music  # This is actually your repo
+   cd plugins/clock-simple  # This is inside your monorepo checkout
+   # bump "version" in manifest.json, then from the monorepo root:
+   # python update_registry.py
    git add .
-   git commit -m "feat: add new feature"
-   git push origin main
+   git commit -m "feat(clock-simple): add new feature"
+   git push
    ```
 
 5. **Update from remote (if needed):**
    ```bash
-   ./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh update music
+   ./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh update clock-simple
    ```
 
 6. **When done developing:**
    ```bash
-   ./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh unlink music
+   ./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh unlink clock-simple
    ```
 
 ### Working with Multiple Plugins
 
-You can have multiple plugins linked simultaneously:
+You can have multiple plugins linked simultaneously. Plugins linked from the
+monorepo share one checkout:
 
 ```bash
 ./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link-github music
@@ -294,7 +314,7 @@ You can have multiple plugins linked simultaneously:
 # Check status of all
 ./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh status
 
-# Update all at once
+# Update all at once (the shared monorepo checkout is pulled once)
 ./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh update
 ```
 
@@ -409,7 +429,7 @@ If you have conflicts when updating:
 
 1. **Manually resolve in the plugin repository:**
    ```bash
-   cd ~/.ledmatrix-dev-plugins/ledmatrix-music
+   cd ~/.ledmatrix-dev-plugins/ledmatrix-plugins
    git pull
    # Resolve conflicts...
    git add .
@@ -470,18 +490,19 @@ You can mix local and GitHub plugins:
 
 The development workflow is separate from the plugin store installation:
 
-- **Plugin Store:** Installs plugins to `plugins/` as regular directories
-- **Development Setup:** Links plugin repositories as symlinks
+- **Plugin Store:** Installs plugins as regular directories in the configured
+  plugins directory (`plugin-repos/` by default)
+- **Development Setup:** Links plugin directories as symlinks in `plugins/`
 
-If you install a plugin via the store, you can still link it for development:
+The plugin loader scans only one directory, so while developing set
+`plugin_system.plugins_directory` to `plugins` (see the note at the top of
+this guide). If `plugins/` already holds a regular directory of the same
+name, `link`/`link-github` offers to rename it to
+`<name>.backup.<timestamp>` before linking.
 
-```bash
-# Store installs to plugins/music (regular directory)
-# Link for development (will prompt to replace)
-./scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh link-github music
-```
-
-When you unlink, the directory is removed. If you want to switch back to the store version, re-install it via the plugin store.
+`unlink` removes only the symlink. To switch back to the store version, set
+`plugins_directory` back to `plugin-repos` (or reinstall the plugin from the
+store).
 
 ## API Reference
 
@@ -499,19 +520,22 @@ When developing plugins, you'll need to use the APIs provided by the LEDMatrix s
   `display_manager.image` (a PIL Image) and call `update_display()`;
   there is no `draw_image()` helper method.
 - `draw_weather_icon()`, `draw_sun()`, `draw_cloud()` - Weather icons
+  (deprecated, removed in 3.7.0 — draw your own icons)
 - `get_text_width()`, `get_font_height()` - Text utilities
 - `set_scrolling_state()`, `defer_update()` - Scrolling state management
 
 **Cache Manager** (`self.cache_manager`):
 - `get()`, `set()`, `delete()` - Basic caching
 - `get_cached_data_with_strategy()` - Advanced caching with strategies
-- `get_background_cached_data()` - Background service caching
+- `get_background_cached_data()` - deprecated, removed in 3.7.0 — use `get()`
 
 **Plugin Manager** (`self.plugin_manager`):
 - `get_plugin()`, `get_all_plugins()` - Access other plugins
 - `get_plugin_info()` - Get plugin information
 
-See [PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md](PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md) for complete documentation.
+See [PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md](PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md) for complete
+documentation, and its [Deprecated APIs](PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md#deprecated-apis)
+table for everything removed in 3.7.0.
 
 ## 3rd Party Plugin Development
 
@@ -525,7 +549,7 @@ Want to create and share your own plugin? Here's everything you need to know.
    - [Advanced Plugin Development](ADVANCED_PLUGIN_DEVELOPMENT.md) - Patterns and examples
 
 2. **Start with a template**:
-   - Use the [Hello World plugin](https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-hello-world) as a starting point
+   - Use the [Hello World plugin](https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-plugins/tree/main/plugins/hello-world) as a starting point
    - Or fork an existing plugin and modify it
 
 3. **Follow the plugin structure**:
@@ -556,12 +580,14 @@ Your plugin must:
            pass
    ```
 
-2. **Include manifest.json** with required fields:
+2. **Include manifest.json** with the required fields listed in
+   [PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md](PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md#manifest-required-fields):
    ```json
    {
      "id": "my-plugin",
      "name": "My Plugin",
      "version": "1.0.0",
+     "author": "YourName",
      "class_name": "MyPlugin",
      "entry_point": "manager.py",
      "display_modes": ["my_plugin"],
@@ -589,11 +615,16 @@ Your plugin must:
 ### Versioning Best Practices
 
 - **Use semantic versioning**: `MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH` (e.g., `1.2.3`)
-- **Automatic version bumping**: Use the pre-push git hook for automatic patch version bumps
-- **Manual versioning**: Only needed for major/minor bumps or special cases
-- **GitHub as source of truth**: Plugin store fetches versions from GitHub releases/tags/manifest
-
-See the [Git Workflow rules](../.cursorrules) for version management details.
+- **Bump `version` in `manifest.json` by hand** for every change you ship.
+  There is no automatic version-bump hook or bump script.
+- **Official (monorepo) plugins**: after bumping the manifest, run
+  `python update_registry.py` in the `ledmatrix-plugins` checkout. It copies
+  each manifest's version into `plugins.json` as `latest_version`, which is
+  what the store compares installed versions against. Without it, users
+  won't be offered the update.
+- **Plugins in their own repository**: still bump the manifest `version`,
+  so users can see which version they run; tagging releases (`v1.2.3`) to
+  match is a good habit.
 
 ### Submitting to Official Registry
 
@@ -605,14 +636,16 @@ To have your plugin added to the official plugin store:
    - Follows best practices
    - Tested on Raspberry Pi hardware
 
-2. **Create GitHub repository**:
-   - Repository name: `ledmatrix-<plugin-name>`
-   - Public repository
-   - Proper README.md with installation instructions
+2. **Choose where it lives** (see `SUBMISSION.md` in
+   [ledmatrix-plugins](https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-plugins)):
+   - **In the monorepo (preferred):** fork ledmatrix-plugins, add
+     `plugins/<your-plugin-id>/`, and open a pull request
+   - **In your own public repository** (conventionally
+     `ledmatrix-<plugin-name>`), with a README that covers installation
 
-3. **Contact maintainers**:
+3. **Contact maintainers** (own-repository plugins):
    - Open a GitHub issue in the [ledmatrix-plugins](https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-plugins) repository
-   - Or reach out on Discord: https://discord.gg/uW36dVAtcT
+   - Or reach out on Discord: https://discord.gg/RdrC37rEag
    - Include: Repository URL, plugin description, why it's useful
 
 4. **Review process**:
@@ -626,17 +659,19 @@ To have your plugin added to the official plugin store:
 For your plugin to work well in the plugin store:
 
 - **GitHub repository**: Must be publicly accessible on GitHub
-- **Releases or tags**: Recommended for version tracking
+- **`version` in manifest.json**: The store offers updates by comparing it
+  with the registry's `latest_version`; releases and tags are not read
 - **README.md**: Clear installation and configuration instructions
 - **config_schema.json**: Recommended for web UI configuration
-- **manifest.json**: Required with all required fields
+- **manifest.json**: Required, with the [required fields](PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md#manifest-required-fields)
 - **requirements.txt**: If your plugin has Python dependencies
 
 ### Distribution Options
 
 1. **Official Registry** (Recommended):
    - Listed in default plugin store
-   - Automatic updates
+   - Update offers in the Plugin Manager (and weekly automatic updates, if
+     the user turns them on)
    - Verified badge
    - Requires approval
 
@@ -667,5 +702,5 @@ For your plugin to work well in the plugin store:
 - [Advanced Plugin Development](ADVANCED_PLUGIN_DEVELOPMENT.md) - Advanced patterns and examples
 - [Plugin Quick Reference](PLUGIN_QUICK_REFERENCE.md) - Quick development reference
 - [Plugin Configuration Guide](PLUGIN_CONFIGURATION_GUIDE.md) - Configuration setup
-- [Plugin Store User Guide](PLUGIN_STORE_USER_GUIDE.md) - Using the plugin store
+- [Plugin Store Guide](PLUGIN_STORE_GUIDE.md) - Using the plugin store
 

docs/PLUGIN_ELEMENT_STYLING.md

@@ -0,0 +1,135 @@
+# Per-element styling for plugin authors
+
+Users want to change the font, size and colour of individual things on screen,
+nudge them a few pixels, hide the ones they do not care about, and scale a logo
+down. This is the one system that does that, and a plugin joins it by
+**declaring elements in its `config_schema.json`** — not by writing a style
+resolver, a font cache or a web form.
+
+The short version:
+
+```jsonc
+"customization": {
+  "type": "object",
+  "title": "Display Customization",
+  "x-style-elements": {
+    "score_text": {
+      "title": "Score",
+      "font":  { "default": "PressStart2P-Regular.ttf" },
+      "size":  { "default": 10, "min": 4, "max": 16 },
+      "color": { "default": [255, 255, 255] },
+      "offsets": true,
+      "visible": true,
+      "align": true
+    },
+    "home_logo": { "title": "Home logo", "offsets": true, "scale": true }
+  },
+  "x-style-modes": ["live", "upcoming", "recent"]
+}
+```
+
+That is the whole declaration. The core expands it into a full JSON Schema, the
+web UI renders a compact style editor with a row per element, and the values
+land in `config.json` under the keys you named.
+
+## What each key does
+
+| Key | Effect |
+|---|---|
+| `font` | Font picker listing every shipped **and user-uploaded** font. |
+| `size` | Number field. `min`/`max` also cap which fixed-size fonts are offered. |
+| `color` | Colour swatch; stored as `[r, g, b]`. |
+| `offsets` | X/Y nudge, stored under `customization.layout.<element>`. |
+| `visible` | Show/hide toggle. |
+| `align` | `left` / `center` / `right`. |
+| `scale` | Size multiplier, for logos and images. Also under `layout`. |
+
+`x-style-modes` is optional. Declare it and every element gains a per-mode
+override tab — a scoreboard can then style its live, upcoming and recent cards
+separately. **A mode field left blank means "inherit", not zero.**
+
+## Reading the values
+
+Every plugin inherits `BasePlugin.styles`, which finds your `config_schema.json`
+on its own:
+
+```python
+style = self.styles.style(
+    "score_text",
+    classic_font="PressStart2P-Regular.ttf",   # what you shipped
+    classic_size=10,
+    classic_color=(255, 255, 255),
+)
+if style.visible:
+    draw.text((x + style.offset[0], y + style.offset[1]),
+              text, font=style.font, fill=style.color)
+```
+
+For a specific mode, use `self.styles_for("recent")`, or set
+`STYLE_MODE = "recent"` on the class and keep calling `self.styles`.
+
+### The one rule that matters
+
+**Pass your shipped values as the `classic_*` arguments.** The resolver returns
+them verbatim unless the user actually changed something, which is what keeps an
+untouched install rendering byte-identically. It can tell the difference because
+a value only counts as user-forced when it *differs from the schema default* —
+the save path writes the full default object into `config.json` on every save,
+so "present in config" proves nothing.
+
+Never compare against the default yourself; that rule lives in exactly one place.
+
+### Stateless readers
+
+For helpers handed a config dict rather than a plugin instance:
+
+```python
+from src.element_style import (element_color, element_visible,
+                               element_align, element_scale, layout_offset)
+
+colour = element_color(config, "score_text", (255, 255, 255), mode)
+shown  = element_visible(config, "records", True, mode)
+dy     = layout_offset(config, "score", "y_offset", 0, mode)
+```
+
+## Sports scoreboards
+
+`SportsCoreSharedMixin` wires most of this up already. Two things to know:
+
+* **Name your draws.** `_draw_text_with_outline(..., element="score_text")`
+  resolves the colour by name *and* honours the visibility toggle. Without it
+  the colour has to be guessed from the identity of the font object, which
+  cannot tell two elements apart when they share a face — the case every
+  bitmap font is in.
+* **Modes are free.** Live/upcoming/recent are separate instances, so setting
+  `SKIN_MODE` on each is enough; no call site passes a mode.
+
+## Adopting an existing hand-written block
+
+If your schema already spells out `font` / `font_size` / `text_color` per
+element longhand, **you do not need to change anything**. The core recognises
+that shape and upgrades it in place: the style editor, the real font picker
+(including uploaded fonts) and per-mode overrides all appear on a core update.
+Add `x-style-modes` if you want the mode tabs.
+
+## Fonts, and why size is sometimes locked
+
+32 of the 35 shipped fonts are fixed-strike BDF bitmaps: they render at exactly
+one pixel size and ignore `font_size`. The picker knows which, and the editor
+locks the size field to the native size and labels it `fixed`. A font too tall
+for the `max` you declared is not offered at all.
+
+Uploaded fonts (Fonts tab) land in `assets/fonts/` and appear in the picker
+automatically.
+
+## Checklist
+
+1. Declare `x-style-elements` (and `x-style-modes` if you have modes).
+2. Read through `self.styles`, passing your shipped values as `classic_*`.
+3. Honour `style.visible`, `style.offset` and `style.scale` where they apply.
+4. Confirm an untouched config renders identically:
+   `python scripts/check_plugin.py --plugin <id>`.
+5. Monorepo plugins: bump `manifest.json` and run `python update_registry.py`.
+
+See also: [docs/PLUGIN_CONFIGURATION_GUIDE.md](PLUGIN_CONFIGURATION_GUIDE.md),
+[docs/FONT_MANAGER.md](FONT_MANAGER.md).

docs/PLUGIN_ERROR_HANDLING.md

@@ -146,7 +146,10 @@ def display(self, force_clear: bool = False) -> bool:
 
 ## Error Aggregation
 
-LEDMatrix automatically tracks plugin errors. Access error data via the API:
+LEDMatrix automatically tracks plugin errors: every exception or timeout from
+a plugin's `update()` or `display()` is recorded by the display service,
+which runs the plugins. See them in the web interface under **Logs → Plugin
+errors**, or through the API:
 
 ```bash
 # Get error summary
@@ -155,10 +158,21 @@ curl http://localhost:5000/api/v3/errors/summary
 # Get plugin-specific health
 curl http://localhost:5000/api/v3/errors/plugin/my-plugin
 
-# Clear old errors
+# Clear errors older than 24 hours (the default), or all of them
 curl -X POST http://localhost:5000/api/v3/errors/clear
+curl -X POST -H 'Content-Type: application/json' -d '{"all": true}' \
+  http://localhost:5000/api/v3/errors/clear
 ```
 
+The web interface is a separate process, so it reads a snapshot the display
+service writes to the shared cache directory (`plugin_error_snapshot`): at most
+every 10 seconds, and only when something changed. Expect the numbers to lag
+by up to about 15 seconds, and to start from zero when the display service
+restarts. `snapshot_available` is `false` until the display service has
+reported. A clear is a request the display service applies within about 5
+seconds; the API hides the cleared errors immediately. Details and response
+shapes: [REST API reference](REST_API_REFERENCE.md#error-tracking).
+
 ### Error Patterns
 
 When the same error occurs repeatedly (5+ times in 60 minutes), it's detected as a pattern and logged as a warning. This helps identify systemic issues.

docs/PLUGIN_IMPLEMENTATION_SUMMARY.md

@@ -1,358 +0,0 @@
-# LEDMatrix Plugin System - Implementation Summary
-
-> **Status note:** this is a high-level summary written during the
-> initial plugin system rollout. Most of it is accurate, but a few
-> sections describe features that are aspirational or only partially
-> implemented (per-plugin virtual envs, resource limits, registry
-> manager). Drift from current reality is called out inline.
-
-This document provides a comprehensive overview of the plugin architecture implementation, consolidating details from multiple plugin-related implementation summaries.
-
-## Executive Summary
-
-The LEDMatrix plugin system transforms the project into a modular, extensible platform where users can create, share, and install custom displays through a GitHub-based store (similar to Home Assistant Community Store).
-
-## Architecture Overview
-
-### Core Components
-
-```
-LEDMatrix/
-├── src/plugin_system/
-│   ├── base_plugin.py          # Plugin interface contract
-│   ├── plugin_loader.py        # Discovery + dynamic import
-│   ├── plugin_manager.py       # Lifecycle management
-│   ├── store_manager.py        # GitHub install / store integration
-│   ├── schema_manager.py       # Config schema validation
-│   ├── health_monitor.py       # Plugin health metrics
-│   ├── operation_queue.py      # Async install/update operations
-│   └── state_manager.py        # Persistent plugin state
-├── plugin-repos/               # Default plugin install location
-│   ├── football-scoreboard/
-│   ├── ledmatrix-music/
-│   └── ledmatrix-stocks/
-└── config/config.json          # Plugin configurations
-```
-
-> Earlier drafts of this doc referenced `registry_manager.py`. It was
-> never created — discovery happens in `plugin_loader.py`. The earlier
-> default plugin location of `plugins/` has been replaced with
-> `plugin-repos/` (see `config/config.template.json:130`).
-
-### Key Design Decisions
-
-✅ **Gradual Migration**: Plugin system added alongside existing managers
-✅ **GitHub-Based Store**: Simple discovery from GitHub repositories
-✅ **Plugin Isolation**: Each plugin in dedicated directory
-✅ **Configuration Integration**: Plugins use main config.json
-✅ **Backward Compatibility**: Existing functionality preserved
-
-## Implementation Phases
-
-### Phase 1: Core Infrastructure (Completed)
-
-#### Plugin Base Classes
-- **BasePlugin**: Abstract interface for all plugins
-- **Standard Methods**: `update()`, `display()`, `get_config()`
-- **Lifecycle Hooks**: `on_enable()`, `on_disable()`, `on_config_change()`
-
-#### Plugin Manager
-- **Discovery**: Automatic plugin detection in `./plugins/` directory
-- **Loading**: Dynamic import and instantiation
-- **Management**: Enable/disable, configuration updates
-- **Error Handling**: Graceful failure isolation
-
-#### Store Manager
-- **GitHub Integration**: Repository cloning and management
-- **Version Handling**: Tag-based version control
-- **Dependency Resolution**: Automatic dependency installation
-
-### Phase 2: Configuration System (Completed)
-
-#### Nested Schema Validation
-- **JSON Schema**: Comprehensive configuration validation
-- **Type Safety**: Ensures configuration integrity
-- **Dynamic UI**: Schema-driven configuration forms
-
-#### Tabbed Configuration Interface
-- **Organized UI**: Plugin settings in dedicated tabs
-- **Real-time Validation**: Instant feedback on configuration changes
-- **Backup System**: Automatic configuration versioning
-
-#### Live Priority Management
-- **Dynamic Switching**: Real-time display priority changes
-- **API Integration**: RESTful priority management
-- **Conflict Resolution**: Automatic priority conflict handling
-
-### Phase 3: Advanced Features (Completed)
-
-#### Custom Icons
-- **Plugin Branding**: Custom icons for plugin identification
-- **Format Support**: PNG, SVG, and font-based icons
-- **Fallback System**: Default icons when custom ones unavailable
-
-#### Dependency Management
-- **Requirements.txt**: Per-plugin dependencies, installed system-wide
-  via pip on first plugin load
-- **Version Pinning**: Standard pip version constraints in
-  `requirements.txt`
-
-> Earlier plans called for per-plugin virtual environments. That isn't
-> implemented — plugin Python deps install into the system Python
-> environment (or whatever environment the LEDMatrix service is using).
-> Conflicting versions across plugins are not auto-resolved.
-
-#### Health monitoring
-- **Resource Monitor** (`src/plugin_system/resource_monitor.py`): tracks
-  CPU and memory metrics per plugin and warns about slow plugins
-- **Health Monitor** (`src/plugin_system/health_monitor.py`): tracks
-  plugin failures and last-success timestamps
-
-> Earlier plans called for hard CPU/memory limits and a sandboxed
-> permission system. Neither is implemented. Plugins run in the same
-> process as the display loop with full file-system and network access
-> — review third-party plugin code before installing.
-
-## Plugin Development
-
-### Plugin Structure
-```
-my-plugin/
-├── manifest.json           # Metadata and configuration
-├── manager.py              # Main plugin class
-├── requirements.txt        # Python dependencies
-├── config_schema.json      # Configuration validation
-├── icon.png               # Custom icon (optional)
-└── README.md              # Documentation
-```
-
-### Manifest Format
-```json
-{
-  "id": "my-plugin",
-  "name": "My Custom Display",
-  "version": "1.0.0",
-  "author": "Developer Name",
-  "description": "Brief plugin description",
-  "entry_point": "manager.py",
-  "class_name": "MyPlugin",
-  "category": "custom",
-  "requires": ["requests>=2.25.0"],
-  "config_schema": "config_schema.json"
-}
-```
-
-### Plugin Class Template
-```python
-from src.plugin_system.base_plugin import BasePlugin
-
-class MyPlugin(BasePlugin):
-    def __init__(self, config, display_manager, cache_manager):
-        super().__init__(config, display_manager, cache_manager)
-        self.my_setting = config.get('my_setting', 'default')
-
-    def update(self):
-        # Fetch data from API, database, etc.
-        self.data = self.fetch_my_data()
-
-    def display(self, force_clear=False):
-        # Render to LED matrix
-        self.display_manager.draw_text(
-            self.data,
-            x=5, y=15
-        )
-        self.display_manager.update_display()
-```
-
-## Plugin Store & Distribution
-
-### Registry System
-- **GitHub Repository**: chuckbuilds/ledmatrix-plugin-registry
-- **JSON Registry**: plugins.json with metadata
-- **Version Management**: Semantic versioning support
-- **Verification**: Trusted plugin marking
-
-### Installation Process
-1. **Discovery**: Browse available plugins in web UI
-2. **Selection**: Choose plugin and version
-3. **Download**: Clone from GitHub repository
-4. **Installation**: Install dependencies and register plugin
-5. **Configuration**: Set up plugin settings
-6. **Activation**: Enable and start plugin
-
-### Publishing Process
-```bash
-# Create plugin repository
-git init
-git add .
-git commit -m "Initial plugin release"
-git tag v1.0.0
-git push origin main --tags
-
-# Submit to registry (PR to chuckbuilds/ledmatrix-plugin-registry)
-```
-
-## Web Interface Integration
-
-### Plugin Store UI
-- **Browse**: Filter and search available plugins
-- **Details**: Version info, dependencies, screenshots
-- **Installation**: One-click install process
-- **Management**: Enable/disable installed plugins
-
-### Configuration Interface
-- **Tabbed Layout**: Separate tabs for each plugin
-- **Schema-Driven Forms**: Automatic form generation
-- **Validation**: Real-time configuration validation
-- **Live Updates**: Immediate configuration application
-
-### Status Monitoring
-- **Plugin Health**: Individual plugin status indicators
-- **Resource Usage**: Memory and CPU monitoring
-- **Error Reporting**: Plugin-specific error logs
-- **Update Notifications**: Available update alerts
-
-## Testing & Quality Assurance
-
-### Test Coverage
-- **Unit Tests**: Individual component testing
-- **Integration Tests**: Plugin lifecycle testing
-- **Hardware Tests**: Real Pi validation
-- **Performance Tests**: Resource usage monitoring
-
-### Example Plugins Created
-1. **Football Scoreboard**: Live NFL score display
-2. **Music Visualizer**: Audio spectrum display
-3. **Stock Ticker**: Financial data visualization
-
-### Compatibility Testing
-- **Python Versions**: 3.10, 3.11, 3.12 support
-- **Hardware**: Pi 4, Pi 5 validation
-- **Dependencies**: Comprehensive dependency testing
-
-## Performance & Resource Management
-
-### Optimization Features
-- **Lazy Loading**: Plugins loaded only when needed
-- **Background Updates**: Non-blocking data fetching
-- **Memory Management**: Automatic cleanup and garbage collection
-- **Caching**: Intelligent data caching to reduce API calls
-
-### Resource Limits
-- **Memory**: Per-plugin memory monitoring
-- **CPU**: CPU usage tracking and limits
-- **Network**: API call rate limiting
-- **Storage**: Plugin storage quota management
-
-## Security Considerations
-
-### Plugin Sandboxing
-- **File System Isolation**: Restricted file access
-- **Network Controls**: Limited network permissions
-- **Dependency Scanning**: Security vulnerability checking
-- **Code Review**: Manual review for published plugins
-
-### Permission Levels
-- **Trusted Plugins**: Full system access
-- **Community Plugins**: Restricted permissions
-- **Untrusted Plugins**: Minimal permissions (future)
-
-## Migration & Compatibility
-
-### Backward Compatibility
-- **Existing Managers**: Continue working unchanged
-- **Configuration**: Existing configs remain valid
-- **API**: Core APIs unchanged
-- **Performance**: No degradation in existing functionality
-
-### Migration Tools
-- **Config Converter**: Automatic plugin configuration migration
-- **Dependency Checker**: Validate system compatibility
-- **Backup System**: Configuration backup before changes
-
-### Future Migration Path
-```
-v2.0.0: Plugin infrastructure (current)
-v2.1.0: Migration tools and examples
-v2.2.0: Enhanced plugin features
-v3.0.0: Plugin-only architecture (legacy removal)
-```
-
-## Success Metrics
-
-### ✅ Completed Achievements
-- **Architecture**: Modular plugin system implemented
-- **Store**: GitHub-based plugin distribution working
-- **UI**: Web interface plugin management complete
-- **Examples**: 3 functional example plugins created
-- **Testing**: Comprehensive test coverage achieved
-- **Documentation**: Complete developer and user guides
-
-### 📊 Usage Statistics
-- **Plugin Count**: 3+ plugins available
-- **Installation Success**: 100% successful installations
-- **Performance Impact**: <5% overhead on existing functionality
-- **User Adoption**: Plugin system actively used
-
-### 🔮 Future Enhancements
-- **Sandboxing**: Complete plugin isolation
-- **Auto-Updates**: Automatic plugin updates
-- **Marketplace**: Plugin ratings and reviews
-- **Advanced Dependencies**: Complex plugin relationships
-
-## Technical Highlights
-
-### Plugin Discovery
-```python
-def discover_plugins(self):
-    """Automatically discover plugins in ./plugins/ directory"""
-    for plugin_dir in os.listdir(self.plugins_dir):
-        manifest_path = os.path.join(plugin_dir, 'manifest.json')
-        if os.path.exists(manifest_path):
-            # Load and validate manifest
-            # Register plugin with system
-```
-
-### Dynamic Loading
-```python
-def load_plugin(self, plugin_id):
-    """Dynamically load and instantiate plugin"""
-    plugin_dir = os.path.join(self.plugins_dir, plugin_id)
-    sys.path.insert(0, plugin_dir)
-
-    try:
-        manifest = self.load_manifest(plugin_id)
-        module = importlib.import_module(manifest['entry_point'])
-        plugin_class = getattr(module, manifest['class_name'])
-        return plugin_class(self.config, self.display_manager, self.cache_manager)
-    finally:
-        sys.path.pop(0)
-```
-
-### Configuration Validation
-```python
-def validate_config(self, plugin_id, config):
-    """Validate plugin configuration against schema"""
-    schema_path = os.path.join(self.plugins_dir, plugin_id, 'config_schema.json')
-    with open(schema_path) as f:
-        schema = json.load(f)
-
-    try:
-        validate(config, schema)
-        return True, None
-    except ValidationError as e:
-        return False, str(e)
-```
-
-## Conclusion
-
-The LEDMatrix plugin system successfully transforms the project into a modular, extensible platform. The implementation provides:
-
-- **For Users**: Easy plugin discovery, installation, and management
-- **For Developers**: Clear plugin API and development tools
-- **For Maintainers**: Smaller core codebase with community contributions
-
-The system maintains full backward compatibility while enabling future growth through community-developed plugins. All major components are implemented, tested, and ready for production use.
-
----
-*This document consolidates plugin implementation details from multiple phase summaries into a comprehensive technical overview.*

docs/PLUGIN_QUICK_REFERENCE.md

@@ -14,8 +14,10 @@ and [PLUGIN_DEVELOPMENT_GUIDE.md](PLUGIN_DEVELOPMENT_GUIDE.md).
 ✅ **GitHub Store**: Discovery from `ledmatrix-plugins` registry plus
    any GitHub URL
 ✅ **Plugin Location**: configured by `plugin_system.plugins_directory`
-   in `config.json` (default `plugin-repos/`; the loader also searches
-   `plugins/` as a fallback)
+   in `config.json` (default `plugin-repos/`). Plugin discovery scans
+   only this directory — there is no loader fallback to `plugins/`
+   (only Plugin Store operations and schema lookup additionally probe
+   `plugins/`)
 
 ## File Structure
 
@@ -43,7 +45,8 @@ LEDMatrix/
 
 ### 1. Minimal Plugin Structure
 
-**manifest.json**:
+**manifest.json** (the required fields are explained in
+[PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md](PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md#manifest-required-fields)):
 ```json
 {
   "id": "my-plugin",
@@ -52,6 +55,8 @@ LEDMatrix/
   "author": "YourName",
   "entry_point": "manager.py",
   "class_name": "MyPlugin",
+  "display_modes": ["my-plugin"],
+  "compatible_versions": [">=2.0.0"],
   "category": "custom"
 }
 ```
@@ -97,20 +102,13 @@ class MyPlugin(BasePlugin):
 
 ### 3. Publishing
 
-```bash
-# Create repo
-git init
-git add .
-git commit -m "Initial commit"
-git remote add origin https://github.com/YourName/ledmatrix-my-plugin
-git push -u origin main
-
-# Tag release
-git tag v1.0.0
-git push origin v1.0.0
-
-# Submit to registry (PR to ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-plugin-registry)
-```
+Official plugins live in the
+[ledmatrix-plugins](https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-plugins)
+monorepo: add `plugins/<your-plugin-id>/`, bump `version` in its
+`manifest.json` on every change, run `python update_registry.py` there and
+open a pull request. A third-party plugin can stay in its own repository and
+be installed by URL. Git tags and releases are not read by the store; see
+[PLUGIN_REGISTRY_SETUP_GUIDE.md](PLUGIN_REGISTRY_SETUP_GUIDE.md).
 
 ## Using Plugins
 
@@ -120,12 +118,13 @@ git push origin v1.0.0
 2. **Install**: Click **Install** in the plugin's row
 3. **Configure**: open the plugin's tab in the second nav row
 4. **Enable/Disable**: toggle switch in the **Installed Plugins** list
-5. **Reorder**: order is set by the position in `display_modes` /
-   plugin order; rearranging via drag-and-drop is not yet supported
+5. **Reorder**: use the drag-and-drop **Rotation Order** list in the
+   **Rotation** tab (saved to `display.plugin_rotation_order`)
 
 ### REST API
 
-The API is mounted at `/api/v3` (`web_interface/app.py:144`).
+The API is mounted at `/api/v3` (the `api_v3` blueprint in
+`web_interface/blueprints/api_v3/`, registered in `web_interface/app.py`).
 
 ```bash
 # Install plugin from the registry
@@ -163,20 +162,20 @@ follows this shape:
       "name": "Simple Clock",
       "author": "ChuckBuilds",
       "category": "time",
-      "repo": "https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-clock-simple",
-      "versions": [
-        {
-          "version": "1.0.0",
-          "ledmatrix_min_version": "2.0.0",
-          "download_url": "https://github.com/.../v1.0.0.zip"
-        }
-      ],
+      "repo": "https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-plugins",
+      "branch": "main",
+      "plugin_path": "plugins/clock-simple",
+      "latest_version": "1.0.0",
       "verified": true
     }
   ]
 }
 ```
 
+`plugin_path` is empty for a third-party plugin in its own repository. The
+store offers an update when the installed manifest's `version` is older
+than `latest_version`.
+
 ## Benefits
 
 ### For Users
@@ -209,8 +208,11 @@ intentionally simple:
    slow plugins, but no hard CPU/memory caps.
 3. **Plugin ratings**: not yet — the Plugin Store shows version,
    author, and category but no community rating system.
-4. **Auto-updates**: manual via the Plugin Manager tab; no automatic
-   background updates.
+4. **Auto-updates**: off by default. Update from the Plugin Manager tab
+   (per plugin, or **Check & Update All**), or turn on weekly automatic
+   updates in the General tab (`auto_update.enabled`,
+   `web_interface/auto_update.py`), which update LEDMatrix and then the
+   installed plugins.
 5. **Dependency conflicts**: each plugin's `requirements.txt` is
    installed via pip; conflicting versions across plugins are not
    resolved automatically.

docs/PLUGIN_REGISTRY_SETUP_GUIDE.md

@@ -1,406 +1,109 @@
 # Plugin Registry Setup Guide
 
-This guide explains how to set up and maintain your official plugin registry at [https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-plugins](https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-plugins).
+This page explains how the official plugin registry works and how a plugin
+gets into it. The registry and the official plugins both live in one
+repository, [ledmatrix-plugins](https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-plugins);
+its `SUBMISSION.md`, `VERIFICATION.md` and `docs/` are the authoritative
+contributor guides.
 
-## Overview
+## How it fits together
 
-Your plugin registry serves as a **central directory** that lists all official, verified plugins. The registry is just a JSON file; the actual plugins live in their own repositories.
-
-## Repository Structure
-
-```
+```text
 ledmatrix-plugins/
-├── README.md              # Main documentation
-├── LICENSE               # GPL-3.0
-├── plugins.json          # The registry file (main file!)
-├── SUBMISSION.md         # Guidelines for submitting plugins
-├── VERIFICATION.md       # Verification checklist
-└── assets/               # Optional: screenshots, badges
-    └── screenshots/
+├── plugins/
+│   ├── clock-simple/        # one directory per official plugin
+│   │   ├── manifest.json    # source of truth for the plugin's version
+│   │   ├── manager.py
+│   │   ├── config_schema.json
+│   │   └── requirements.txt
+│   └── ...
+├── plugins.json             # the registry the Plugin Store reads
+└── update_registry.py       # regenerates plugins.json from the manifests
 ```
 
-## Step 1: Create plugins.json
+- **Registry.** The Plugin Store fetches
+  `https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-plugins/main/plugins.json`
+  (`PluginStoreManager.REGISTRY_URL` in `src/plugin_system/store_manager.py`)
+  and caches it for 15 minutes.
+- **Monorepo plugins** have `repo` set to the ledmatrix-plugins URL and
+  `plugin_path` set to their directory (`plugins/<id>`). The store downloads
+  just that directory (GitHub API, falling back to the repository ZIP), so
+  installed copies have no `.git` directory.
+- **Third-party plugins** keep their own repository: `repo` points at it and
+  `plugin_path` is empty. The store installs them with `git clone`, falling
+  back to an archive download.
+- **Updates.** For registry plugins the store compares the installed
+  manifest's `version` with the entry's `latest_version`. Git tags and GitHub
+  releases are not read.
 
-This is the **core file** that the Plugin Store reads from.
-
-**Important**: The registry stores **metadata only** (name, description, repo URL, etc.). 
-The plugin store always pulls the latest commit information directly from GitHub, so you never manage semantic versions here.
-
-**File**: `plugins.json`
+## A registry entry
 
 ```json
 {
-  "last_updated": "2025-01-09T12:00:00Z",
-  "plugins": [
-    {
-      "id": "clock-simple",
-      "name": "Simple Clock",
-      "description": "A clean, simple clock display with date and time",
-      "author": "ChuckBuilds",
-      "category": "time",
-      "tags": ["clock", "time", "date"],
-      "repo": "https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-clock-simple",
-      "branch": "main",
-      "stars": 12,
-      "downloads": 156,
-      "last_updated": "2025-01-09",
-      "last_commit": "abc1234",
-      "verified": true,
-      "screenshot": "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-plugins/main/assets/screenshots/clock-simple.png"
-    }
-  ]
+  "id": "clock-simple",
+  "name": "Simple Clock",
+  "description": "A clean, simple clock display with date and time",
+  "author": "ChuckBuilds",
+  "category": "time",
+  "tags": ["clock", "time", "date"],
+  "repo": "https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-plugins",
+  "branch": "main",
+  "plugin_path": "plugins/clock-simple",
+  "stars": 0,
+  "downloads": 0,
+  "last_updated": "2026-09-03",
+  "verified": true,
+  "screenshot": "",
+  "latest_version": "1.0.0"
 }
 ```
 
-**Note**: There's no need for version arrays or release tracking. The store queries GitHub for the latest commit details (date, branch, and short SHA) whenever metadata is requested.
+[plugin_registry_template.json](plugin_registry_template.json) shows a
+monorepo entry and a third-party entry.
 
-## Step 2: Create Plugin Repositories
+Don't edit `latest_version` or `last_updated` by hand for monorepo plugins:
+`update_registry.py` in ledmatrix-plugins writes them from each plugin's
+`manifest.json`.
 
-Each plugin should have its own repository:
+## Adding or changing an official plugin
 
-### Example: Creating clock-simple Plugin
+1. Add or edit `plugins/<your-plugin-id>/` in the monorepo, with the
+   manifest fields listed in
+   [PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md](PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md#manifest-required-fields).
+2. Bump `version` in the plugin's `manifest.json` for every change, or users
+   won't be offered the update.
+3. Run `python update_registry.py` in ledmatrix-plugins and commit the
+   updated `plugins.json` with the plugin change.
+4. Open a pull request. The monorepo's CI and review steps are described in
+   its `SUBMISSION.md`.
 
-1. **Create new repo**: `ledmatrix-clock-simple`
-2. **Add plugin files**:
-   ```
-   ledmatrix-clock-simple/
-   ├── manifest.json
-   ├── manager.py
-   ├── requirements.txt
-   ├── config_schema.json
-   ├── README.md
-   └── assets/
-   ```
-3. **Add to registry**: Update `plugins.json` in ledmatrix-plugins repo
+## Adding a third-party plugin
 
-## Step 3: Update README.md
+Test it with **Plugin Manager → Install from GitHub → Install Single Plugin**
+(or `POST /api/v3/plugins/install-from-url`), then follow the "own
+repository" option in the monorepo's `SUBMISSION.md` to request a registry
+entry.
 
-Create a comprehensive README for your plugin registry:
-
-```markdown
-# LEDMatrix Official Plugins
-
-Official plugin registry for [LEDMatrix](https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/LEDMatrix).
-
-## Available Plugins
-
-<!-- This table is auto-generated from plugins.json -->
-
-| Plugin | Description | Category | Last Updated |
-|--------|-------------|----------|--------------|
-| [Simple Clock](https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-clock-simple) | Clean clock display | Time | 2025-01-09 |
-| [NHL Scores](https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-nhl-scores) | Live NHL scores | Sports | 2025-01-07 |
-
-## Installation
-
-All plugins can be installed through the LEDMatrix web interface:
-
-1. Open web interface (http://your-pi-ip:5000)
-2. Open the **Plugin Manager** tab
-3. Browse or search the **Plugin Store** section
-4. Click **Install**
-
-Or via API:
-```bash
-curl -X POST http://your-pi-ip:5000/api/v3/plugins/install \
-  -d '{"plugin_id": "clock-simple"}'
-```
-
-## Submitting Plugins
-
-See [SUBMISSION.md](SUBMISSION.md) for guidelines on submitting your plugin.
-
-## Creating Plugins
-
-See the main [LEDMatrix Plugin Developer Guide](https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/LEDMatrix/wiki/Plugin-Development).
-
-## Plugin Categories
-
-- **Time**: Clocks, timers, countdowns
-- **Sports**: Scoreboards, schedules, stats
-- **Weather**: Forecasts, current conditions
-- **Finance**: Stocks, crypto, market data
-- **Entertainment**: Games, animations, media
-- **Custom**: Unique displays
-```
-
-## Step 4: Create SUBMISSION.md
-
-Guidelines for community plugin submissions:
-
-```markdown
-# Plugin Submission Guidelines
-
-Want to add your plugin to the official registry? Follow these steps!
-
-## Requirements
-
-Before submitting, ensure your plugin:
-
-- ✅ Has a complete `manifest.json` with all required fields
-- ✅ Follows the plugin architecture specification
-- ✅ Has comprehensive README documentation
-- ✅ Includes example configuration
-- ✅ Has been tested on Raspberry Pi hardware
-- ✅ Follows coding standards (PEP 8)
-- ✅ Has proper error handling
-- ✅ Uses logging appropriately
-- ✅ Has no hardcoded API keys or secrets
-
-## Submission Process
-
-1. **Test Your Plugin**
-   ```bash
-   # Install via URL on your Pi
-   curl -X POST http://your-pi:5000/api/v3/plugins/install-from-url \
-     -d '{"repo_url": "https://github.com/you/ledmatrix-your-plugin"}'
-   ```
-
-2. **Fork This Repo**
-   Fork [ledmatrix-plugins](https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-plugins)
-
-4. **Update plugins.json**
-   Add your plugin entry (metadata only - no versions needed):
-   ```json
-   {
-     "id": "your-plugin",
-     "name": "Your Plugin Name",
-     "description": "What it does",
-     "author": "YourName",
-     "category": "custom",
-     "tags": ["tag1", "tag2"],
-     "repo": "https://github.com/you/ledmatrix-your-plugin",
-     "branch": "main",
-     "verified": false
-   }
-   ```
-
-5. **Submit Pull Request**
-   Create PR with title: "Add plugin: your-plugin-name"
-
-## Review Process
-
-1. **Automated Checks**: Manifest validation, structure check
-2. **Code Review**: Manual review of plugin code
-3. **Testing**: Test installation and basic functionality
-4. **Approval**: If accepted, merged and marked as verified
-
-## After Approval
-
-- Plugin appears in official store
-- `verified: true` badge shown
-- Included in plugin count
-- Featured in README
-
-## Updating Your Plugin
-
-Whenever you push new commits to your plugin repository's default branch, the store will automatically surface the latest commit timestamp and short SHA. No release tagging or manifest version bumps are required.
-
-You only need to update the registry if:
-- Plugin metadata changes (name, description, category, etc.)
-- Repository URL changes
-- You want to update the verified status
-
-To update metadata:
-1. Fork the registry repo
-2. Update plugins.json with new metadata
-3. Submit PR with changes
-4. We'll review and merge
-
-## Questions?
-
-Open an issue in this repo or the main LEDMatrix repo.
-```
-
-## Step 5: Create VERIFICATION.md
-
-Checklist for verifying plugins:
-
-```markdown
-# Plugin Verification Checklist
-
-Use this checklist when reviewing plugin submissions.
-
-## Code Review
-
-- [ ] Follows BasePlugin interface
-- [ ] Has proper error handling
-- [ ] Uses logging appropriately
-- [ ] No hardcoded secrets/API keys
-- [ ] Follows Python coding standards
-- [ ] Has type hints where appropriate
-- [ ] Has docstrings for classes/methods
-
-## Manifest Validation
-
-- [ ] All required fields present
-- [ ] Valid JSON syntax
-- [ ] Last updated metadata present when available
-- [ ] Category is valid
-- [ ] Tags are descriptive
-
-## Functionality
-
-- [ ] Installs successfully via URL
-- [ ] Dependencies install correctly
-- [ ] Plugin loads without errors
-- [ ] Display output works correctly
-- [ ] Configuration schema validates
-- [ ] Example config provided
-
-## Documentation
-
-- [ ] README.md exists and is comprehensive
-- [ ] Installation instructions clear
-- [ ] Configuration options documented
-- [ ] Examples provided
-- [ ] License specified
-
-## Security
-
-- [ ] No malicious code
-- [ ] Safe dependency versions
-- [ ] Appropriate permissions
-- [ ] No network access without disclosure
-- [ ] No file system access outside plugin dir
-
-## Testing
-
-- [ ] Tested on Raspberry Pi
-- [ ] Works with 64x32 matrix (minimum)
-- [ ] No excessive CPU/memory usage
-- [ ] No crashes or freezes
-
-## Approval
-
-Once all checks pass:
-- [ ] Set `verified: true` in plugins.json
-- [ ] Merge PR
-- [ ] Welcome plugin author
-- [ ] Update stats (downloads, stars)
-```
-
-## Step 6: Workflow for Adding Plugins
-
-### For Your Own Plugins
+## Testing locally
 
 ```bash
-# 1. Create plugin in separate repo
-mkdir ledmatrix-clock-simple
-cd ledmatrix-clock-simple
-# ... create plugin files ...
+# Validate a plugin headlessly (from LEDMatrix)
+python3 scripts/check_plugin.py --plugin <id>
 
-# 2. Push to GitHub
-git init
-git add .
-git commit -m "Initial commit"
-git remote add origin https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-clock-simple
-git push -u origin main
-
-# 3. Update registry
-cd ../ledmatrix-plugins
-# Edit plugins.json to add new entry
-git add plugins.json
-git commit -m "Add clock-simple plugin"
-git push
-```
-
-### For Community Submissions
-
-```bash
-# 1. Receive PR on ledmatrix-plugins repo
-# 2. Review using VERIFICATION.md checklist
-# 3. Test installation:
-curl -X POST http://pi:5000/api/v3/plugins/install-from-url \
-  -d '{"repo_url": "https://github.com/contributor/plugin"}'
-
-# 4. If approved, merge PR
-# 5. Set verified: true in plugins.json
-```
-
-## Step 7: Maintaining the Registry
-
-### Regular Updates
-
-```bash
-# Update stars/downloads counts
-python3 scripts/update_stats.py
-
-# Validate all plugin entries
-python3 scripts/validate_registry.py
-
-# Check for plugin updates
-python3 scripts/check_updates.py
-```
-
-## Converting Existing Plugins
-
-To convert your existing plugins (hello-world, clock-simple) to this system:
-
-### 1. Move to Separate Repos
-
-```bash
-# For each plugin in plugins/
-cd plugins/clock-simple
-
-# Create new repo
-git init
-git add .
-git commit -m "Extract clock-simple plugin"
-git remote add origin https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-clock-simple
-git push -u origin main
-git tag v1.0.0
-git push origin v1.0.0
-```
-
-### 2. Add to Registry
-
-Update `plugins.json` in ledmatrix-plugins repo.
-
-### 3. Keep or Remove from Main Repo
-
-Decision:
-- **Keep**: Leave in main repo for backward compatibility
-- **Remove**: Delete from main repo, users install via store
-
-## Testing the Registry
-
-After setting up:
-
-```bash
-# Test registry fetch
-curl https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-plugins/main/plugins.json
-
-# Test plugin installation
+# Fetch the registry the way the store does
 python3 -c "
 from src.plugin_system.store_manager import PluginStoreManager
-store = PluginStoreManager()
-registry = store.fetch_registry()
-print(f'Found {len(registry[\"plugins\"])} plugins')
+store = PluginStoreManager(plugins_dir='plugin-repos')
+print(len(store.fetch_registry(force_refresh=True).get('plugins', [])), 'plugins')
 "
 ```
 
-## Benefits of This Setup
-
-✅ **Centralized Discovery**: One place to find all official plugins  
-✅ **Decentralized Storage**: Each plugin in its own repo  
-✅ **Easy Maintenance**: Update registry without touching plugin code  
-✅ **Community Friendly**: Anyone can submit via PR  
-✅ **Version Control**: Track plugin versions and updates  
-✅ **Verified Badge**: Show trust with verified plugins  
-
-## Next Steps
-
-1. Create `plugins.json` in your repo
-2. Update the registry URL in LEDMatrix code (already done)
-3. Create SUBMISSION.md and README.md
-4. Move existing plugins to separate repos
-5. Add them to the registry
-6. Announce the plugin store!
+To work on monorepo plugins against a LEDMatrix checkout, see
+[MULTI_ROOT_WORKSPACE_SETUP.md](MULTI_ROOT_WORKSPACE_SETUP.md) and the
+[Plugin Development Guide](PLUGIN_DEVELOPMENT_GUIDE.md).
 
 ## References
 
-- Plugin Store Implementation: See `PLUGIN_STORE_IMPLEMENTATION_SUMMARY.md`
-- User Guide: See `PLUGIN_STORE_USER_GUIDE.md`
-- Architecture: See `PLUGIN_ARCHITECTURE_SPEC.md`
-
+- Plugin Store user guide: [PLUGIN_STORE_GUIDE.md](PLUGIN_STORE_GUIDE.md)
+- Plugin architecture (historical): [PLUGIN_ARCHITECTURE_SPEC.md](PLUGIN_ARCHITECTURE_SPEC.md)
+- [ledmatrix-plugins](https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-plugins)

docs/PLUGIN_STORE_GUIDE.md

@@ -4,13 +4,22 @@
 
 The LEDMatrix Plugin Store allows you to discover, install, and manage display plugins for your LED matrix. Install curated plugins from the official registry or add custom plugins directly from any GitHub repository.
 
+In the web interface, the **Plugin Store** is a section of the **Plugin
+Manager** tab (below the installed plugins), followed by an **Install from
+GitHub** section.
+
+The Python examples below pass `plugins_dir="plugin-repos"`:
+`PluginStoreManager()` defaults to `plugins`, but the web interface and the
+plugin loader use `plugin_system.plugins_directory` from `config.json`
+(`plugin-repos` by default).
+
 ---
 
 ## Quick Reference
 
 ### Install from Store
 ```bash
-# Web UI: Plugin Store → Search → Click Install
+# Web UI: Plugin Manager → Plugin Store section → Search → Click Install
 # API:
 curl -X POST http://your-pi-ip:5000/api/v3/plugins/install \
   -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
@@ -19,7 +28,7 @@ curl -X POST http://your-pi-ip:5000/api/v3/plugins/install \
 
 ### Install from GitHub URL
 ```bash
-# Web UI: Plugin Store → "Install from URL" → Paste URL
+# Web UI: Plugin Manager → Install from GitHub → "Install Single Plugin" → Paste URL
 # API:
 curl -X POST http://your-pi-ip:5000/api/v3/plugins/install-from-url \
   -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
@@ -57,7 +66,7 @@ The official plugin store contains curated, verified plugins that have been revi
 
 **Via Web Interface:**
 1. Open the web interface at http://your-pi-ip:5000
-2. Navigate to the "Plugin Store" tab
+2. Navigate to the "Plugin Manager" tab and scroll to the "Plugin Store" section
 3. Browse or search for plugins
 4. Click "Install" on the desired plugin
 5. Wait for installation to complete
@@ -74,7 +83,7 @@ curl -X POST http://your-pi-ip:5000/api/v3/plugins/install \
 ```python
 from src.plugin_system.store_manager import PluginStoreManager
 
-store = PluginStoreManager()
+store = PluginStoreManager(plugins_dir="plugin-repos")
 success = store.install_plugin('clock-simple')
 if success:
     print("Plugin installed!")
@@ -90,10 +99,11 @@ Install any plugin directly from a GitHub repository, even if it's not in the of
 
 **Via Web Interface:**
 1. Open the web interface
-2. Navigate to the "Plugin Store" tab
-3. Find the "Install from URL" section
+2. Navigate to the "Plugin Manager" tab
+3. Find "Install Single Plugin" in the "Install from GitHub" section
 4. Paste the GitHub repository URL (e.g., `https://github.com/user/ledmatrix-my-plugin`)
-5. Click "Install from URL"
+   and optionally a branch
+5. Click "Install"
 6. Review the warning about unverified plugins
 7. Confirm installation
 8. Wait for installation to complete
@@ -110,7 +120,7 @@ curl -X POST http://your-pi-ip:5000/api/v3/plugins/install-from-url \
 ```python
 from src.plugin_system.store_manager import PluginStoreManager
 
-store = PluginStoreManager()
+store = PluginStoreManager(plugins_dir="plugin-repos")
 result = store.install_from_url('https://github.com/user/ledmatrix-my-plugin')
 
 if result['success']:
@@ -131,20 +141,20 @@ else:
 **Via REST API:**
 ```bash
 # Search by query
-curl "http://your-pi-ip:5000/api/v3/plugins/store/search?q=hockey"
+curl "http://your-pi-ip:5000/api/v3/plugins/store/list?query=hockey"
 
 # Filter by category
-curl "http://your-pi-ip:5000/api/v3/plugins/store/search?category=sports"
+curl "http://your-pi-ip:5000/api/v3/plugins/store/list?category=sports"
 
 # Filter by tags
-curl "http://your-pi-ip:5000/api/v3/plugins/store/search?tags=nhl&tags=hockey"
+curl "http://your-pi-ip:5000/api/v3/plugins/store/list?tags=nhl&tags=hockey"
 ```
 
 **Via Python:**
 ```python
 from src.plugin_system.store_manager import PluginStoreManager
 
-store = PluginStoreManager()
+store = PluginStoreManager(plugins_dir="plugin-repos")
 
 # Search by query
 results = store.search_plugins(query="hockey")
@@ -175,12 +185,9 @@ curl "http://your-pi-ip:5000/api/v3/plugins/installed"
 ```python
 from src.plugin_system.store_manager import PluginStoreManager
 
-store = PluginStoreManager()
-installed = store.list_installed_plugins()
-
-for plugin_id in installed:
-    info = store.get_installed_plugin_info(plugin_id)
-    print(f"{info['name']} (Last updated: {info.get('last_updated', 'unknown')})")
+store = PluginStoreManager(plugins_dir="plugin-repos")
+for plugin_id in store.list_installed_plugins():
+    print(plugin_id)
 ```
 
 ### Enable/Disable Plugins
@@ -216,7 +223,7 @@ curl -X POST http://your-pi-ip:5000/api/v3/plugins/update \
 ```python
 from src.plugin_system.store_manager import PluginStoreManager
 
-store = PluginStoreManager()
+store = PluginStoreManager(plugins_dir="plugin-repos")
 success = store.update_plugin('clock-simple')
 ```
 
@@ -239,7 +246,7 @@ curl -X POST http://your-pi-ip:5000/api/v3/plugins/uninstall \
 ```python
 from src.plugin_system.store_manager import PluginStoreManager
 
-store = PluginStoreManager()
+store = PluginStoreManager(plugins_dir="plugin-repos")
 success = store.uninstall_plugin('clock-simple')
 ```
 
@@ -296,13 +303,17 @@ When installing from a custom GitHub URL, you'll see a warning about installing
 
 ### Plugin Won't Install
 
-**Problem:** Installation fails with "Failed to clone or download repository"
+**Problem:** Installation fails
 
 **Solutions:**
-- Check that git is installed: `which git`
+- Plugins from the official registry live in the `ledmatrix-plugins`
+  monorepo and are downloaded, not cloned: the store fetches the plugin's
+  directory through the GitHub API and falls back to extracting it from the
+  repository ZIP, so git is not involved (the installed copy has no `.git`)
+- A plugin installed by URL from its own repository is cloned with git,
+  falling back to an archive download; check `which git` if that fails
 - Verify the GitHub URL is correct
 - Check your internet connection
-- The system will automatically try ZIP download as fallback
 
 ### Plugin Won't Load
 
@@ -351,8 +362,7 @@ All API endpoints return JSON with this structure:
 
 | Method | Endpoint | Description |
 |--------|----------|-------------|
-| GET | `/api/v3/plugins/store/list` | List all plugins in store |
-| GET | `/api/v3/plugins/store/search` | Search for plugins |
+| GET | `/api/v3/plugins/store/list` | List plugins in store; `?query=`, `?category=`, `?tags=` search and filter |
 | GET | `/api/v3/plugins/installed` | List installed plugins |
 | POST | `/api/v3/plugins/install` | Install from registry |
 | POST | `/api/v3/plugins/install-from-url` | Install from GitHub URL |
@@ -411,10 +421,10 @@ As a plugin developer, you can share your plugin with others even before it's in
 2. Share the URL with users
 3. Users install via:
    - Open the LEDMatrix web interface
-   - Click "Plugin Store" tab
-   - Scroll to "Install from URL"
+   - Open the "Plugin Manager" tab
+   - Scroll to "Install from GitHub" → "Install Single Plugin"
    - Paste the URL
-   - Click "Install from URL"
+   - Click "Install"
 
 ---
 
@@ -426,14 +436,14 @@ For advanced users, manage plugins via command line:
 # Install from registry
 python3 -c "
 from src.plugin_system.store_manager import PluginStoreManager
-store = PluginStoreManager()
+store = PluginStoreManager(plugins_dir='plugin-repos')
 store.install_plugin('clock-simple')
 "
 
 # Install from URL
 python3 -c "
 from src.plugin_system.store_manager import PluginStoreManager
-store = PluginStoreManager()
+store = PluginStoreManager(plugins_dir='plugin-repos')
 result = store.install_from_url('https://github.com/user/plugin')
 print(result)
 "
@@ -441,16 +451,15 @@ print(result)
 # List installed
 python3 -c "
 from src.plugin_system.store_manager import PluginStoreManager
-store = PluginStoreManager()
+store = PluginStoreManager(plugins_dir='plugin-repos')
 for plugin_id in store.list_installed_plugins():
-    info = store.get_installed_plugin_info(plugin_id)
-    print(f'{plugin_id}: {info[\"name\"]} (Last updated: {info.get(\"last_updated\", \"unknown\")})')
+    print(plugin_id)
 "
 
 # Uninstall
 python3 -c "
 from src.plugin_system.store_manager import PluginStoreManager
-store = PluginStoreManager()
+store = PluginStoreManager(plugins_dir='plugin-repos')
 store.uninstall_plugin('clock-simple')
 "
 ```
@@ -469,10 +478,17 @@ A: Yes, you can install anytime, but you must restart the display to load them.
 A: The existing copy will be replaced with the latest code from the repository.
 
 **Q: Can I install multiple versions of the same plugin?**
-A: No, each plugin ID maps to a single checkout of the repository's default branch.
+A: No, each plugin ID maps to a single installed copy.
 
 **Q: How do I update all plugins at once?**
-A: Currently, you need to update each plugin individually. Bulk update is planned for a future release.
+A: Click **Check & Update All** at the top of the Plugin Manager tab. You can
+also turn on weekly automatic updates (off by default) in the General tab;
+they update LEDMatrix itself and then the installed plugins
+(`web_interface/auto_update.py`).
+
+**Q: How does the store know an update is available?**
+A: For registry plugins it compares the installed manifest's `version` with
+the registry's `latest_version`; git tags and releases are not consulted.
 
 **Q: Can plugins access my API keys from config_secrets.json?**
 A: Yes, if a plugin needs API keys, it can access them like core managers do.
@@ -481,13 +497,13 @@ A: Yes, if a plugin needs API keys, it can access them like core managers do.
 A: Most plugins are small (1-5MB). Check individual plugin documentation for specific requirements.
 
 **Q: Can I create my own plugin?**
-A: Yes! See [PLUGIN_DEVELOPMENT.md](PLUGIN_DEVELOPMENT.md) for instructions.
+A: Yes! See [PLUGIN_DEVELOPMENT_GUIDE.md](PLUGIN_DEVELOPMENT_GUIDE.md) for instructions.
 
 ---
 
 ## Related Documentation
 
-- [PLUGIN_DEVELOPMENT.md](PLUGIN_DEVELOPMENT.md) - Create your own plugins
+- [PLUGIN_DEVELOPMENT_GUIDE.md](PLUGIN_DEVELOPMENT_GUIDE.md) - Create your own plugins
 - [PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md](PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md) - Plugin API documentation
-- [PLUGIN_ARCHITECTURE.md](PLUGIN_ARCHITECTURE.md) - Plugin system architecture
+- [PLUGIN_ARCHITECTURE_SPEC.md](PLUGIN_ARCHITECTURE_SPEC.md) - Plugin system architecture (historical)
 - [REST_API_REFERENCE.md](REST_API_REFERENCE.md) - Complete REST API reference

docs/PLUGIN_WEB_UI_ACTIONS.md

@@ -25,9 +25,6 @@ Add a `web_ui_actions` array to your plugin's `manifest.json`:
       "script": "path/to/script.py",
       "oauth_flow": false,
       "section_description": "Optional section description",
-      "success_message": "Action completed successfully",
-      "error_message": "Action failed",
-      "step1_message": "Authorization URL generated",
       "step2_prompt": "Please paste the full redirect URL:",
       "step2_button_text": "Complete Authentication"
     }
@@ -52,12 +49,13 @@ Add a `web_ui_actions` array to your plugin's `manifest.json`:
 - **`color`**: Color theme - `"blue"`, `"green"`, `"red"`, `"yellow"`, `"purple"`, etc. (defaults to `"blue"`)
 - **`oauth_flow`**: Set to `true` for OAuth-style two-step authentication flows
 - **`section_description`**: Description shown at the top of the actions section
-- **`success_message`**: Message shown on successful completion
-- **`error_message`**: Message shown on failure
-- **`step1_message`**: Message shown after step 1 (for OAuth flows)
 - **`step2_prompt`**: Prompt text for step 2 redirect URL input
 - **`step2_button_text`**: Button text for step 2 (defaults to "Complete Authentication")
 
+The status messages shown after an action runs come from the action's
+response (`message`), with built-in fallbacks such as "Action completed
+successfully"; there are no manifest fields for them.
+
 ## Action Types
 
 ### Script Actions (`type: "script"`)
@@ -98,7 +96,6 @@ For two-step OAuth flows (e.g., Spotify):
   "color": "green",
   "script": "authenticate_spotify.py",
   "oauth_flow": true,
-  "step1_message": "Authorization URL generated",
   "step2_prompt": "Please paste the full redirect URL from Spotify after authorization:",
   "step2_button_text": "Complete Authentication"
 }
@@ -131,9 +128,6 @@ Here's a complete example for the `ledmatrix-music` plugin:
       "script": "authenticate_spotify.py",
       "oauth_flow": true,
       "section_description": "Authenticate with Spotify or YouTube Music to enable music playback display.",
-      "success_message": "Spotify authentication completed successfully",
-      "error_message": "Spotify authentication failed",
-      "step1_message": "Authorization URL generated",
       "step2_prompt": "Please paste the full redirect URL from Spotify after authorization:",
       "step2_button_text": "Complete Authentication"
     },
@@ -145,9 +139,7 @@ Here's a complete example for the `ledmatrix-music` plugin:
       "button_text": "Authenticate YTM",
       "icon": "fab fa-youtube",
       "color": "red",
-      "script": "authenticate_ytm.py",
-      "success_message": "YouTube Music authentication completed successfully",
-      "error_message": "YouTube Music authentication failed"
+      "script": "authenticate_ytm.py"
     }
   ]
 }

docs/PLUGIN_WEB_UI_ACTIONS_EXAMPLE.json

@@ -37,9 +37,6 @@
       "script": "authenticate_spotify.py",
       "oauth_flow": true,
       "section_description": "Authenticate with Spotify or YouTube Music to enable music playback display.",
-      "success_message": "Spotify authentication completed successfully",
-      "error_message": "Spotify authentication failed",
-      "step1_message": "Authorization URL generated",
       "step2_prompt": "Please paste the full redirect URL from Spotify after authorization:",
       "step2_button_text": "Complete Authentication"
     },
@@ -51,9 +48,7 @@
       "button_text": "Authenticate YTM",
       "icon": "fab fa-youtube",
       "color": "red",
-      "script": "authenticate_ytm.py",
-      "success_message": "YouTube Music authentication completed successfully",
-      "error_message": "YouTube Music authentication failed"
+      "script": "authenticate_ytm.py"
     }
   ],
   "versions": [

docs/README.md

@@ -11,9 +11,10 @@ the one-shot installer. The pages here go deeper.
 2. [WEB_INTERFACE_GUIDE.md](WEB_INTERFACE_GUIDE.md) — using the web UI
 3. [PLUGIN_STORE_GUIDE.md](PLUGIN_STORE_GUIDE.md) — installing and managing plugins
 4. [WIFI_NETWORK_SETUP.md](WIFI_NETWORK_SETUP.md) — WiFi and AP-mode setup
-5. [TROUBLESHOOTING.md](TROUBLESHOOTING.md) — common issues and fixes
+5. [TROUBLESHOOTING.md](TROUBLESHOOTING.md) — common issues and fixes ([PERMISSIONS.md](PERMISSIONS.md) for "Permission denied")
 6. [SSH_UNAVAILABLE_AFTER_INSTALL.md](SSH_UNAVAILABLE_AFTER_INSTALL.md) — recovering SSH after install
 7. [CONFIG_DEBUGGING.md](CONFIG_DEBUGGING.md) — diagnosing config problems
+8. [LOW_MEMORY_BOARDS.md](LOW_MEMORY_BOARDS.md) — Pi Zero 2 W / 3B+ / 1GB Pi 4 memory limits
 
 ## I want to write a plugin
 
@@ -29,20 +30,23 @@ Start here:
 Going deeper:
 
 - [ADVANCED_PLUGIN_DEVELOPMENT.md](ADVANCED_PLUGIN_DEVELOPMENT.md) — advanced patterns
-- [PLUGIN_ARCHITECTURE_SPEC.md](PLUGIN_ARCHITECTURE_SPEC.md) — full plugin-system spec
+- [PLUGIN_ARCHITECTURE_SPEC.md](PLUGIN_ARCHITECTURE_SPEC.md) — original plugin-system design spec (historical; see its banner for what has drifted)
 - [PLUGIN_DEPENDENCY_GUIDE.md](PLUGIN_DEPENDENCY_GUIDE.md) /
   [PLUGIN_DEPENDENCY_TROUBLESHOOTING.md](PLUGIN_DEPENDENCY_TROUBLESHOOTING.md)
 - [PLUGIN_WEB_UI_ACTIONS.md](PLUGIN_WEB_UI_ACTIONS.md) (+ [example JSON](PLUGIN_WEB_UI_ACTIONS_EXAMPLE.json))
-- [PLUGIN_CUSTOM_ICONS.md](PLUGIN_CUSTOM_ICONS.md) /
-  [PLUGIN_CUSTOM_ICONS_FEATURE.md](PLUGIN_CUSTOM_ICONS_FEATURE.md)
+- [PLUGIN_CUSTOM_ICONS.md](PLUGIN_CUSTOM_ICONS.md)
 - [PLUGIN_REGISTRY_SETUP_GUIDE.md](PLUGIN_REGISTRY_SETUP_GUIDE.md) (+ [registry template](plugin_registry_template.json))
 - [STARLARK_APPS_GUIDE.md](STARLARK_APPS_GUIDE.md) — Starlark-based mini-apps
-- [widget-guide.md](widget-guide.md) — widget development
+- [Widget guide](../web_interface/static/v3/js/widgets/README.md) — built-in `x-widget`s and custom widgets
+- [ADAPTIVE_LAYOUT.md](ADAPTIVE_LAYOUT.md) — render legibly on any panel size (opt-in font/layout scaling)
+- [plugin-safety-harness.md](plugin-safety-harness.md) — test a plugin across every screen and matrix size
 
 ## Configuring plugins
 
 - [PLUGIN_CONFIG_QUICK_START.md](PLUGIN_CONFIG_QUICK_START.md) — minimal config you need
 - [PLUGIN_CONFIGURATION_GUIDE.md](PLUGIN_CONFIGURATION_GUIDE.md) — schema design
+- [PLUGIN_ELEMENT_STYLING.md](PLUGIN_ELEMENT_STYLING.md) — let users restyle,
+  move, hide and scale individual elements (per display mode, if you have them)
 - [PLUGIN_CONFIGURATION_TABS.md](PLUGIN_CONFIGURATION_TABS.md) — multi-tab UI configs
 - [PLUGIN_CONFIG_ARCHITECTURE.md](PLUGIN_CONFIG_ARCHITECTURE.md) — how the config system works
 - [PLUGIN_CONFIG_CORE_PROPERTIES.md](PLUGIN_CONFIG_CORE_PROPERTIES.md) — properties every plugin honors
@@ -52,33 +56,39 @@ Going deeper:
 - [ADVANCED_FEATURES.md](ADVANCED_FEATURES.md) — Vegas scroll, on-demand display,
   cache management, background services, permissions
 - [FONT_MANAGER.md](FONT_MANAGER.md) — font system
+- [SCROLL_PERFORMANCE.md](SCROLL_PERFORMANCE.md) — how scrolling is paced, and how to make a plugin's marquee smooth
+- [OFFSCREEN_RENDERING.md](OFFSCREEN_RENDERING.md) — rendering plugin content off the render thread
+- [PERMISSIONS.md](PERMISSIONS.md) — file ownership, sudo rules, repair scripts
+- [MQTT bridge](../integrations/mqtt_bridge/README.md) — control the display from Home Assistant over MQTT
 
 ## Reference
 
+- [CONFIG_REFERENCE.md](CONFIG_REFERENCE.md) — every key in config.json and config_secrets.json
 - [REST_API_REFERENCE.md](REST_API_REFERENCE.md) — all web-interface HTTP endpoints
 - [PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md](PLUGIN_API_REFERENCE.md) — Python APIs available to plugins
+- [src/common/README.md](../src/common/README.md) — shared helper modules plugins can import
 - [DEVELOPER_QUICK_REFERENCE.md](DEVELOPER_QUICK_REFERENCE.md) — common dev tasks
-- [PLUGIN_IMPLEMENTATION_SUMMARY.md](PLUGIN_IMPLEMENTATION_SUMMARY.md) — what the plugin system actually does
 
 ## Contributing to LEDMatrix itself
 
+- [ARCHITECTURE.md](ARCHITECTURE.md) — processes, display loop, plugin system, web UI; where to start reading
 - [DEVELOPMENT.md](DEVELOPMENT.md) — environment setup
 - [HOW_TO_RUN_TESTS.md](HOW_TO_RUN_TESTS.md) — running the test suite
 - [MULTI_ROOT_WORKSPACE_SETUP.md](MULTI_ROOT_WORKSPACE_SETUP.md) — multi-repo workspace
 - [MIGRATION_GUIDE.md](MIGRATION_GUIDE.md) — breaking changes between releases
+- [SPORTS_UNIFICATION.md](SPORTS_UNIFICATION.md) — how shared sports scoreboard code moves into `src/common`
 
-## Archive
+## Audits
 
-`docs/archive/` holds older guides that have been superseded or describe
-features that have been removed. They are kept for historical context and
-git history but should not be relied on.
+- [audits/WEB_UI_AUDIT_2026-09.md](audits/WEB_UI_AUDIT_2026-09.md) — web UI audit (September 2026)
 
 ## Contributing to the docs
 
 - Markdown only, professional tone, minimal emoji.
 - Prefer adding to an existing page over creating a new one. If you add a
   new page, link it from this index in the section it belongs to.
-- If a page becomes obsolete, move it to `docs/archive/` rather than
-  deleting it, so links don't rot.
+- If a page becomes obsolete, delete it (it stays in the repository
+  history) and fix the links to it; `test/test_doc_links.py` fails on
+  broken relative links.
 - Keep examples runnable — paths, commands, and config keys here should
   match what's actually in the repo.

docs/SCROLL_PERFORMANCE.md

@@ -0,0 +1,604 @@
+# Scroll Performance
+
+How scrolling is paced on this hardware, what was wrong with it, and how to
+configure a plugin so its marquee is smooth.
+
+Measured on a Raspberry Pi 4 driving a 2×128×64 chain (256×64 logical) at
+`limit_refresh_rate_hz: 100`. Numbers below come from that panel.
+
+| | before | after |
+|---|---|---|
+| scroll frame rate | 44–46 fps | **100 fps, locked** |
+| frames ≥ 45 ms | 14–17% | none observed |
+| dominant frame time | 20 ms | **10 ms** |
+| disk cache write (~1 MB) | 14.8 ms | **5.4 ms** |
+
+---
+
+## The one rule that matters
+
+**Motion is smooth when the strip advances a whole number of pixels per panel
+refresh.**
+
+Advancing one pixel per refresh on a 100 Hz panel gives 100 px/s. Slower crisp
+speeds come from holding each frame for several refreshes -- 50 px/s is one
+pixel every second refresh -- which is covered under *Choosing a speed* below.
+A speed that lands on no such combination has to do one of two bad things:
+
+- **blend** two adjacent columns to render a half-step — on pixel-font text
+  this alternates crisp and smeared frames and reads as shimmer, or as the
+  text jumping a pixel ahead of itself;
+- **repeat** a frame — the strip stands still, then jumps, which reads as
+  judder.
+
+Neither is tunable away. Pick a speed that divides evenly.
+
+`src.common.scroll_config` solves this for you: `configure()` snaps a requested
+speed to the nearest one the panel can actually show in whole pixels, and
+`scripts/scroll_speeds.py` prints the full ladder for your hardware.
+
+## Choosing a speed
+
+The crisp speeds are not a fixed list -- they depend on how fast *your* panel
+refreshes, which depends on its size, `pwm_bits`, `gpio_slowdown` and the Pi
+model. A Pi Zero driving a long chain has a completely different set of good
+speeds from a Pi 4 driving a short one.
+
+```bash
+# what can this panel do? (reads your configured refresh rate)
+python3 scripts/scroll_speeds.py
+
+# what does it ACTUALLY manage, rather than what is configured?
+sudo systemctl stop ledmatrix
+sudo python3 scripts/scroll_speeds.py --measure
+sudo systemctl start ledmatrix
+
+# highlight the closest option to the speed you want
+python3 scripts/scroll_speeds.py --want 45
+
+# try one on the panel
+sudo systemctl stop ledmatrix
+sudo python3 scripts/scroll_speeds.py --demo 50
+sudo systemctl start ledmatrix
+```
+
+Sample ladder for a 100 Hz panel:
+
+```
+  20.0 px/s  (1px every 5 refreshes =  20.0 fps, slightly stepped)
+  25.0 px/s  (1px every 4 refreshes =  25.0 fps, slightly stepped)
+  33.3 px/s  (1px every 3 refreshes =  33.3 fps, smooth)
+  50.0 px/s  (1px every 2 refreshes =  50.0 fps, smooth)
+  66.7 px/s  (2px every 3 refreshes =  33.3 fps, smooth)
+ 100.0 px/s  (1px every 1 refresh  = 100.0 fps, smooth)
+```
+
+### How a slow speed stays crisp
+
+`SwapOnVSync(canvas, framerate_fraction)` holds each frame for N panel
+refreshes. **The panel keeps refreshing at its full rate either way**, so
+holding a frame costs nothing in flicker -- it only changes how often a *new*
+image is presented. That is what allows 50 px/s to be one whole pixel every
+second refresh, instead of half a pixel every refresh (which has no good
+rendering, only a choice between blur and judder).
+
+`scroll_config.configure()` snaps the requested speed to the nearest entry on
+the ladder, sets the helper to advance that entry's whole-pixel step on every
+presented frame (`ScrollHelper.set_pixels_per_frame`), and reports the hold
+that speed needs. It does **not** apply the hold: the hold belongs to a scroll, not to a plugin's lifetime, and plugins
+share one display manager -- one set at construction is reset the moment any
+other plugin finishes scrolling. Apply it yourself when the scroll starts:
+
+```python
+settings = scroll_config.configure(
+    self.scroll_helper,
+    plugin_config=self.config,
+    global_config=self.global_config,
+    display_manager=self.display_manager,   # supplies the panel refresh rate
+)
+
+# ...then, each time this plugin begins scrolling:
+self.display_manager.set_scrolling_state(True, frame_hold=settings.frame_hold)
+```
+
+Passing `display_manager` only lets `configure` read the true refresh rate from
+`display.hardware`, which a plugin config cannot see. Skipping the
+`set_scrolling_state(True, frame_hold=...)` call is the mistake that matters.
+The helper consults no clock in this mode -- it moves the fixed step once per
+`update_scroll_position()` call, and `SwapOnVSync` is what paces those calls --
+so without the hold the panel presents a new frame every refresh and the scroll
+runs `frame_hold` times too fast: 50 px/s (hold 2) plays at 100 px/s.
+
+Pass `snap_to_crisp=False` to keep an exact requested speed and accept the
+artefacts. The helper then paces off elapsed time instead of stepping, and the
+hold is 1.
+
+The General tab's `target_fps` ("Scroll Frame Rate") plays no part in any of
+this: frames are presented at the panel refresh divided by the hold.
+
+Speeds slower than about 20 px/s are stepped no matter what, because a 1-pixel
+advance at 20 fps is simply a coarse increment. That is the pixel pitch, not a
+software limit; the only way to move in smaller increments is sub-pixel
+blending, which this display does not tolerate (see above).
+
+## Configuring a plugin
+
+Use the shared resolver rather than reading config keys yourself:
+
+```python
+from src.common import scroll_config
+
+settings = scroll_config.configure(
+    self.scroll_helper,
+    plugin_config=self.config,
+    global_config=self.global_config,
+    display_manager=self.display_manager,
+    plugin_logger=self.logger,
+)
+
+# each frame of a scroll (or at least when it starts):
+self.display_manager.set_scrolling_state(True, frame_hold=settings.frame_hold)
+```
+
+It resolves every config shape in one place, applies the speed, and returns
+what it did. Precedence, highest first:
+
+1. `display_options.scroll_speed` + `scroll_delay` — **the recommended form**
+2. `display.scroll_speed` + `scroll_delay` — deprecated shape
+3. `scroll_speed` + `scroll_delay` at the root — legacy flat
+4. `scroll_pixels_per_second` — deprecated
+5. the global `display` block
+6. the built-in default (100 px/s)
+
+`scroll_speed` is pixels per frame and `scroll_delay` is the frame period in
+seconds, so the pair means `scroll_speed / scroll_delay` px/s. The recommended
+config for a 100 Hz panel:
+
+```json
+"display_options": { "scroll_speed": 1.0, "scroll_delay": 0.01 }
+```
+
+### Why the deprecated key ranks below the explicit pair
+
+Because some plugins give `scroll_pixels_per_second` a **schema default**, and
+schema defaults are merged into plugin config. Ranking it above the pair means
+it is always present and always wins, so the documented settings become
+unreachable. That is a real, shipped bug — see
+[ledmatrix-plugins#408](https://github.com/ChuckBuilds/ledmatrix-plugins/issues/408).
+
+The flip side: a `scroll_pixels_per_second` you add by hand is ignored whenever
+the plugin's config also carries the pair, which it does whenever the pair has
+a schema default. Set the speed through the pair instead.
+
+The sports scoreboards (`src.common.sports_scroll`) are the exception to all of
+the above: they read `scroll_settings.scroll_speed` per league as px/s directly,
+and their `scroll_delay` is kept for compatibility but ignored for pacing.
+
+If you are writing a plugin: do not give a deprecated key a schema default.
+
+## What was actually wrong
+
+Four independent faults, each found by measurement.
+
+### 1. The frame loop slept on top of a wait it had already done
+
+`display_controller.py` ran the high-FPS loop as `render → SwapOnVSync (blocks
+to the panel's refresh) → time.sleep(0.008) → plugin ticks`. The sleep was
+unconditional and added to a wait that had already happened. Render work
+measured ~4 ms, so each iteration cost ~12 ms against a 10 ms refresh grid —
+every swap missed a refresh and landed on the next one. The loop settled at
+exactly 50 fps while asking for 125, with no headroom, so ~14% of frames
+slipped a further refresh.
+
+Now the loop sleeps only the remainder of the frame budget, with a 1 ms floor
+so plugin threads still get the GIL.
+
+### 2. `SwapOnVSync` held the GIL while blocking
+
+The rgbmatrix binding declares it without `nogil` (unlike `SetPixel`, `Clear`
+and `Fill` immediately above it in `cppinc.pxd`), so the render thread held the
+GIL for the entire vsync wait — most of every frame. Background threads were
+starved into long uninterruptible bursts; a 1.5 MB API response costs ~17 ms to
+parse and ~18 ms to re-encode for the cache, and `json.raw_decode` cannot be
+preempted mid-document. Those bursts are what the render loop then waited on.
+
+Fixed by rebuilding the binding: `scripts/build_rgbmatrix_nogil.sh`.
+
+### 3. Sub-pixel blending was wrong for this display
+
+Enabling it made things worse, not better — see the rule at the top. It is off
+by default everywhere. Vegas mode used to opt in; it now scrolls in whole
+pixels locked to the refresh like the plugin tickers, and keeps the blend only
+behind `display.vegas_scroll.sub_pixel_blend` (default `false`). The blend is
+also why text looked anti-aliased in the web preview while the panel shimmered.
+
+### 4. Frame-based stepping raced the vsync clock
+
+Frame-based mode gated motion on a wall clock at `1/scroll_delay` steps per
+second. Plugins set `scroll_delay` to the frame period, which puts that
+comparison exactly on its own threshold: a frame arriving a hair early moved
+zero pixels and rendered an identical frame, which dirty-tracking skipped, so
+it returned in ~2 ms and the beat repeated. No `scroll_delay` value tunes this
+out — a shorter delay just trades stalled frames for periodic double-steps.
+
+A crisp speed configured through `scroll_config` no longer consults a clock at
+all. Once `SwapOnVSync` blocks until the panel has taken the frame, the frame
+count is a truer clock than `time.time()`, so the helper advances a fixed whole
+number of pixels per presented frame (`set_pixels_per_frame`) and the display
+manager holds each frame for `frame_hold` refreshes. Every frame moves the eye
+by the same amount.
+
+The time-based path remains only for callers that set a speed directly or pass
+`snap_to_crisp=False`. There, frame-based mode no longer steps either: it
+advances by elapsed time at `scroll_speed / scroll_delay` px/s.
+
+## Diagnosing a juddery scroller
+
+To check a whole rig rather than one scroller, soak it -- see *Soaking a rig*
+below.
+
+**An average will lie to you.** A 2 ms duplicate frame and a 21 ms double-wait
+mean exactly 10 ms, so a ticker stalling on half its frames still averages to a
+healthy 100 fps. The stats line reports the tail for that reason — read the
+percentiles, not the fps.
+
+Every scroller emits one line every 5 seconds covering *every* frame in that
+window, tagged with the plugin it came from:
+
+```bash
+journalctl -u ledmatrix --since "-10min" --no-pager | grep "Scroll frame stats"
+```
+
+```
+[Plugin: news] Scroll frame stats - 100.0 fps over 501 frames | median 10.00ms
+p95 10.11ms max 12.03ms min 7.98ms | stalls 0 (0.0%) skips 0 (0.0%)
+```
+
+Reading it, on a 100 Hz panel:
+
+A healthy median is the refresh period times the scroll's frame hold: 10 ms
+for a hold of 1 (100 px/s), **20 ms for 50 px/s** (hold 2), 30 ms for 33.3 px/s.
+A 20 ms median on a 50 px/s scroll is the hold doing its job, not missed
+refreshes. The `Scroll configured:` log line gives the hold (`1px every 2
+refreshes`).
+
+| you see | it means |
+|---|---|
+| median = refresh period × hold, p95 within ~0.5 ms of it | healthy — locked to the panel |
+| p95 or max a whole refresh period or more above that median | frames missing refreshes — per-frame work is overrunning, or a background thread is holding the GIL |
+| non-zero **skips**, or a median *below* the expected one | **duplicate frames** — the swap was skipped because the image did not change, so the frame never waited on vsync. The scroller is advancing less than one pixel per frame, which a crisp fixed-step scroll never does; look for a plugin pacing off time or not passing the hold. |
+| non-zero **stalls** | frames past 1.5× the median, which is the measure of judder that survives averaging |
+
+`stalls` and `skips` are both counted against that window's own median, so they
+stay meaningful on a panel running at any refresh rate.
+
+To rank every scroller at once rather than reading lines one at a time:
+
+```bash
+journalctl -u ledmatrix --since "-3h" --no-pager | grep "Scroll frame stats" \
+  | sed -E 's/.*- (\S+) - (\[Plugin: [^]]+\] )?Scroll.*median ([0-9.]+)ms p95 ([0-9.]+)ms.*/\1 \3 \4/' \
+  | awk '$2 < 1000 {n[$1]++; m[$1]+=$2; p[$1]+=$3} END {for (k in n)
+        printf "%-28s %5d windows  median %6.2fms  p95 %6.2fms\n", k, n[k], m[k]/n[k], p[k]/n[k]}' \
+  | sort -k7 -rn
+```
+
+The `$2 < 1000` guard drops windows whose median is a whole second or more.
+Those are not frames. Until the idle-gap fix in `log_frame_rate()`, the first
+frame of every scroll was timed against the end of the *previous* scroll, so
+the gap between them was recorded as one enormous sample — it landed in the
+`max` field of otherwise healthy windows and counted as one stall per scroll,
+roughly 0.2% at 500 frames to a window, which is the same order as the real
+stall rates it sat beside. Current builds emit none, but the guard costs
+nothing and keeps the command honest against older journals.
+
+A scroller whose p95 sits several times its median is the one to fix, and it is
+usually the one doing the most per-frame work rather than the one configured
+worst. Measured over 20 minutes with two scrollers set identically at 100 px/s,
+the leaderboard held 10 ms flat while the odds ticker spent ~20% of its frames
+on duplicates. Same settings, different render cost: odds does more per-frame
+work, and more variably, so it is first to land a frame that advances less than
+a whole pixel. Check the render path before the config.
+
+Then confirm what the plugin actually loaded — config edits do not always reach
+the running code:
+
+```bash
+journalctl -u ledmatrix --since "-5min" --no-pager | grep -iE "px/s|px/frame"
+```
+
+If a plugin logs its scroll config **twice** with different modes, the second
+line is what is running.
+
+## Soaking a rig
+
+The per-scroller lines above tell you *which* scroller misbehaves. The soak
+answers the question a release has to answer for each rig: **over a long run,
+how often did a moving frame reach the panel late?**
+
+Every frame reaches the panel through `DisplayManager.update_display`, so it is
+timed there once, whoever drew it -- Vegas, a ticker plugin, anything. The
+render thread only appends a tuple; a worker thread aggregates and rewrites
+`/dev/shm/ledmatrix_frame_stats.json` every 10 seconds (RAM, so no SD-card
+wear). `src/common/frame_timing.py` has the details.
+
+```bash
+python3 scripts/frame_soak.py                 # 10 minutes, as the display is now
+python3 scripts/frame_soak.py --preview       # with the web preview open
+python3 scripts/frame_soak.py --show          # totals since the service started
+python3 scripts/frame_soak.py --json a.json   # keep the report to compare later
+```
+
+It runs as any user next to the display service and stops nothing. It needs
+something to *scroll* during the run: a live game holding a static scoreboard
+on screen gives no verdict. `--preview` keeps the web preview's viewer marker
+fresh, which puts the preview's PNG encoding at full rate -- run it as the web
+service's user.
+
+| line | what it tells you |
+|---|---|
+| **Late frames** | Frames presented one or more refreshes after they were due: the panel showed the previous frame again, a visible hitch. **The pass/fail number**, 0.1% by default (`--max-late-pct`). Only intervals between two scrolling frames count, and a frame held for `frame_hold` refreshes is due `frame_hold` refreshes after the last. |
+| **Freezes** | Gaps of 250 ms or more inside a scroll: recomposes, plugin handovers, blocking calls on the render thread. Reported but not failed on, because some are handovers between plugins rather than faults. A gap still counts when the display's scroll state went missing for one frame across it, as long as scrolling resumes within 1 s: both of that frame's intervals count. Two static frames in a row end the scroll. (The state expires after 2 s without scroll activity, and plugins can clear it from their own `display()`.) The late and early rates are over frames judged against a known refresh period, which the recorder adopts once two windows in a row agree on it. |
+| **blit** | Copying the frame into the matrix canvas (`SetImage`). It grows with width × height × `pwm_bits`: ~5.5 ms at 512×64 with 8 bits on a Pi 4. It is the biggest fixed cost, and it sets the refresh rates a rig can hold one pixel per refresh at. |
+| **wait** | Time blocked in `SwapOnVSync`, i.e. the slack left in each refresh. A p50 near zero means the rig has no headroom and anything extra lands a frame late. |
+| **work** | Everything else between two frames: drawing, scrolling, and waiting for the GIL. A wide gap between its p50 and p99 is another thread getting in the way. |
+| **Binding** | `STOCK` means the rgbmatrix binding holds the GIL through the vsync wait, which starves every other thread. See *Rebuilding the binding*. |
+
+The refresh rate is estimated from the frames themselves (swaps that block on
+vsync can only land on refresh boundaries). Cross-check it with
+`scroll_speeds.py --measure` if it looks wrong. It can read high on a rig where
+nothing ever presented at the full refresh rate.
+
+A soak is only meaningful against a fixed workload. Compare runs with the same
+content and `--preview` setting, and alternate which build goes first when you
+A/B two of them. A live-API workload drifts over time.
+
+The soak says how often; the service's log says why. A scroll that presents no
+frame for 250 ms logs `Render stall:` with the stack of the render thread and
+the top of every other thread's, and whether the whole interpreter was blocked
+(C code holding the GIL) rather than one thread. To see what is behind the
+shorter hitches, run the service with `LEDMATRIX_STALL_WATCHDOG_MS=30`, which
+dumps at three refreshes late instead: its extra polling costs a little GIL
+time of its own, so do that on a diagnostic run, not a soak you are grading.
+`LEDMATRIX_STALL_WATCHDOG=0` turns it off.
+
+### Results: hdpi, 2026-09-24
+
+Pi 4, 4×128×64 on one chain (512×64), `gpio_slowdown` 3, cap 120 Hz, the
+GIL-releasing binding. Vegas mode with live content, 8-minute soaks with
+`--preview`, run in the order shown so each build went both first and last.
+
+| run | build | pacing | pwm_bits | refresh | late | 1 | 2 | 3–5 | 6+ | freezes |
+|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
+| 1 | main | time-based, blended, 90 px/s | 8 | 94.5 Hz | 6.33% | 2,542 | 74 | 19 | 4 | 0 |
+| 2 | #628 | 1 px / refresh | 8 | 100.2 Hz | 0.66% | 238 | 32 | 30 | 5 | 2 |
+| 3 | #628 | 1 px / refresh | 8 | 100.3 Hz | 0.70% | 252 | 38 | 26 | 6 | 2 |
+| 4 | main | time-based, blended, 90 px/s | 8 | 94.5 Hz | 6.46% | 2,659 | 90 | 10 | 4 | 0 |
+| 5 | #628 | 1 px / 2 refreshes (53 px/s) | **7** | 107.2 Hz | 0.32% | 68 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
+
+- Blending cost the panel refresh rate as well as frames: 94.5 Hz against
+  ~100 Hz for the same hardware under whole-pixel pacing.
+- The freezes and the 3+ rows in the #628 runs line up with canvas-bound
+  plugins fetched on the render thread (`drain_deferred`): `news` took ~320 ms
+  and `hockey-scoreboard` ~660 ms there. Moving those
+  fetches off the render thread is proposed separately (offscreen rendering).
+- Run 5 changed two things at once: the speed, and `pwm_bits` (changed on the
+  rig between runs). Its lower late rate cannot be credited to either alone.
+- These soaks were taken before the recorder counted 1–2 s stalls as freezes,
+  so a stall of that length would be missing from these rows.
+
+### Without the service: `render_bench.py`
+
+The soak measures the service as it really runs: live content, plugin
+updates, the web preview. `scripts/render_bench.py` answers the narrower
+question underneath: *with nothing else in the way, can this hardware present
+every frame on time?* It scrolls a synthetic strip through the production path
+-- a real `DisplayManager`, a real `ScrollHelper`, the same `scroll_config`
+resolver every ticker uses -- on content that is identical every run, which
+makes it the tool for comparing rigs (a Pi 3 against a Pi 4, one HAT against
+another) and for A/B testing a change to the render path.
+
+```bash
+sudo systemctl stop ledmatrix          # the service owns the GPIO
+
+sudo python3 scripts/render_bench.py                 # 60s at one pixel per refresh
+sudo python3 scripts/render_bench.py --seconds 600   # the shipping gate
+sudo python3 scripts/render_bench.py --speed 50      # a held (frame_hold 2) speed
+sudo python3 scripts/render_bench.py --busy 2        # with threads imitating plugin updates
+sudo python3 scripts/render_bench.py --json /tmp/pi4-512x64.json
+
+sudo systemctl start ledmatrix
+```
+
+It never starts or stops the service itself, so a crash in it cannot leave
+the panel dark. It grades with the same recorder as the soak and prints the
+same report, with the same exit status, except that **2** also means the run
+could not be set up at all (no root, no panel, a fallback display), so a rig
+that was never measured cannot pass by accident.
+
+Two differences from the soak matter:
+
+- **It measures the panel first.** Before scrolling it times bare swaps for a
+  few seconds to get the idle refresh rate, and seeds the recorder with it.
+  That is what catches a loop that never locked to the panel at all. The first
+  version of the bench announced its scrolling state once instead of every
+  frame; the state expired, the dirty-tracking skip fired mid-scroll, and the
+  loop free-ran at 827 fps. Graded against its own frames that looks perfectly
+  steady; graded against the panel's measured rate every frame is early, and
+  the run fails as NOT LOCKED. (The soak has no idle measurement, so it checks
+  the rate against `limit_refresh_rate_hz` instead: a "refresh" faster than
+  the cap cannot have been waiting for the panel.)
+- **The stall watchdog prints to the terminal.** A frame held up for more than
+  250 ms prints the stack of what held it up, in the middle of the run.
+
+Measured with the first version of the bench on hdpi (Pi 4, 512x64,
+`pwm_bits` 8), two-minute runs at one pixel per refresh: 8 of 11,449 frames
+late (0.070%), and with `--busy 2` 3 of 11,445 (0.026%). The render path and
+the hardware pass on their own. Compare the soak results above, from the same
+rig with the service running, for how much of the late rate comes from
+everything else.
+
+### The panel is slower while you are rendering into it
+
+The bench prints two refresh rates, and they differ:
+
+| | Pi 4, 512x64, `pwm_bits` 8 |
+|---|---|
+| idle, timing bare swaps | 100.4 Hz |
+| while scrolling | 96.3 Hz |
+
+Both are real. Driving an LED matrix is bit-banging on the same machine, so
+`SetImage` over a 512x64 chain contends with the refresh itself and slows it.
+The recorder therefore reads the rendering rate back from the frames: swaps
+that block on vsync can only return on a refresh boundary, so the low end of
+`interval / frame_hold` is the period. The idle figure is still printed,
+because the gap between the two is itself a measure of how expensive a frame
+is: **a rise in that gap is a render-cost regression even when nothing is
+late.**
+
+The practical consequence for config: set `limit_refresh_rate_hz` near the rate
+the panel holds *while rendering*, not the idle rate and certainly not a cap it
+can never reach. A cap well above the real rate makes `scroll_config` solve
+speeds against a refresh that does not exist, which is where "3px every 4
+refreshes" comes from.
+
+### Bench-only counters
+
+| line | meaning |
+|---|---|
+| `duplicate` | frames that advanced no pixels. A crisp fixed-step scroll should show none; any at all means the loop is presenting faster than the strip is moving. |
+| `blank` | frames with no visible slice to draw: the helper had no content. Should be zero. |
+| `restarts` | how many times the strip was scrolled through end to end. Informational: the bench restarts the strip where a plugin would hand over to the next one. |
+
+`--json` writes the full report plus the panel geometry, the solved speed and
+these counters, so two rigs (or one rig before and after a change) can be
+compared without re-reading a terminal.
+
+---
+
+## A tear across the middle on fast scrolls
+
+**Symptom:** while text scrolls, the top and bottom halves of the panel look
+shifted sideways against each other along a horizontal line at mid-height, and
+the shift grows with scroll speed. It shows most in Vegas mode at high speed.
+
+**It is the panel's scan, not the software.** The measured panel, like most
+64-row panels, is multiplexed 1:32 (some panels of the same size scan
+differently, so check yours): it lights two rows at a time, one from each half
+(row 0 with row 32, row 1 with row 33, …), stepping down both halves together
+once per refresh. So row 31,
+the last row of the top half, lights almost a whole refresh period after row 32
+right below it. Your eye follows moving text, and moving content that lights at
+different times lands in different places, so the two rows meet with an offset
+of roughly
+
+```
+offset ≈ scroll speed × refresh period
+```
+
+Each frame reaches the panel whole (`SwapOnVSync` swaps complete frames between
+refreshes); the shift is created inside a single refresh. Other panel heights
+show it too, at the point where their two scan halves meet.
+
+On the 2×128×64 chain above, which refreshes at about 130 Hz flat out
+(7.7 ms per pass):
+
+| scroll speed | offset at the midline |
+|---|---|
+| 50 px/s (Vegas default) | ~0.4 px |
+| 100 px/s | ~0.8 px |
+| 150 px/s | ~1.2 px, plainly visible |
+
+### What the display does about it
+
+At one pixel per refresh, the fastest crisp speed, the step is exactly one
+refresh's worth of motion, so it can be cancelled: show one half of the panel
+a refresh behind the other -- the half whose row at the seam lights at the
+start of each refresh. The two rows either side of the seam then show the same
+moment again. What is left is a
+lean of one pixel per half from top to bottom, continuous across the panel,
+which reads as nothing where the step read as a tear. `DisplayManager` does
+this while something scrolls at one frame per refresh
+(`display.scan_order_compensation`, `"auto"` by default, `"off"` to disable;
+the geometry is in `src/scan_order.py`). The lagging rows come from the
+previous frame the display presented, so it works for Vegas and every plugin
+ticker without knowing how they scroll.
+
+Checked on hdpi (4×128×64 on one chain, rotated 180, 2026-09-24) before it was
+written: `scan_mode: 1` (interlaced) made the step vanish but turned moving
+edges grainy, and halving the speed halved it, so it is the scan and not a torn
+frame. With the compensation the step is gone at 90 px/s.
+
+It is left off where the row order is unknown or the maths does not hold:
+
+- **Slower speeds**, where each frame is held for two or more refreshes. The
+  offset there is half a pixel or less, and cancelling it would need a lag of
+  a fraction of a frame.
+- **Other layouts:** pixel mappers other than a 0 or 180 degree rotation
+  (U-mapper, 90/270), non-zero `multiplexing`, interlaced `scan_mode`, and a
+  canvas remapped to another height (double-sided mode).
+- **The emulator,** which has no scan order.
+
+### When it cannot apply
+
+Only a shorter scan period (a faster refresh) or a slower scroll. Measure what
+the panel actually achieves first. The library prints the rate with a carriage
+return and no newline, so read it from the raw journal:
+
+```bash
+# set display.hardware.show_refresh_rate to true (web UI, Display tab), restart, then:
+journalctl -u ledmatrix --since "-1min" --no-pager -o cat --all | grep -a -oE "[0-9.]+Hz" | tail -5
+```
+
+Turn it off again afterwards. Measured on that panel (Pi 4, single chain),
+changing one setting at a time from `pwm_bits: 7`, `gpio_slowdown: 3`:
+
+| change | refresh, uncapped | notes |
+|---|---|---|
+| none | ~130 Hz | the ceiling for this wiring |
+| `pwm_bits: 6` | ~138 Hz | barely faster, and half the colour depth |
+| `gpio_slowdown: 2` | ~130 Hz | no faster, **and visible glitching**; keep 3 |
+| `limit_refresh_rate_hz: 0` | ~130 Hz | Vegas dropped from 100 to 72–95 fps as the refresh thread took more CPU |
+
+None of these helps much, because the time goes into shifting each row's pixels
+out: a 2×128 chain pushes 256 pixels per row down one output. What does help is
+**fewer pixels per output**. On a bonnet with more than one output (the
+`regular` and `classic` mappings have 3; `adafruit-hat` has 1), put each panel
+on its own output and set `parallel` to the number of outputs used and
+`chain_length` to the panels per output, for example `parallel: 2`,
+`chain_length: 1` for two panels. Each refresh then shifts half the data, which
+should roughly double the refresh rate and halve the offset. That is a cable
+change, so measure again afterwards.
+
+Short of rewiring, keep fast scrolls moderate on those layouts: at 50 px/s the
+offset is under half a pixel.
+
+## Rebuilding the binding
+
+```bash
+bash scripts/build_rgbmatrix_nogil.sh              # build into a scratch dir
+sudo bash scripts/build_rgbmatrix_nogil.sh --install
+sudo bash scripts/build_rgbmatrix_nogil.sh --rollback
+```
+
+The build never touches the installed module. `--install` backs up the original
+to `~/rgbmatrix-core.so.ORIGINAL` first, and rolls back automatically if the
+service does not come back healthy. Requires `build-essential`; Cython is
+installed into a cached venv under `~/.cache/ledmatrix-cython`.
+
+Re-run it after upgrading `rpi-rgb-led-matrix`, since a library upgrade
+replaces the patched binding.
+
+## Faster JSON
+
+`src/cache/disk_cache.py` uses `orjson` when it is importable and falls back to
+the stdlib otherwise, so it is optional:
+
+```bash
+sudo pip3 install --break-system-packages orjson
+```
+
+Encoding is where it pays — about 7× on this hardware. Decoding gains far less
+(~1.3× on large payloads) because the cost there is building Python objects,
+not scanning text. That is also why moving parsing to a subprocess does not
+help: `pickle.loads` of the same payload costs 8.1 ms against `json.loads` at
+10.9 ms, so the work just moves rather than disappearing.

docs/SKIN_SYSTEM.md

@@ -1,170 +0,0 @@
-# Skin System Architecture
-
-Skins are user-installable **visual overlays** for the sports scoreboards.
-A skin replaces only the *look* of a scoreboard — the host plugin keeps doing
-data fetching, scheduling, caching, dedup, live-priority takeover, and vegas
-mode. If you only want to **build** a skin, read
-[CREATING_SKINS.md](CREATING_SKINS.md); this document explains how the system
-works and why it is shaped this way.
-
-## Why skins instead of forks
-
-Before skins, changing a scoreboard's layout meant forking the whole plugin
-(e.g. the community MLB scoreboard fork). The fork gets the new look but loses
-everything the maintained plugin keeps earning: duration/scheduling behavior,
-vegas mode support, caching and background-fetch improvements, bug fixes. It
-also silently drifts: every upstream improvement now has to be re-ported by
-hand.
-
-A skin inverts that trade. The plugin remains stock and keeps updating through
-the store; the skin is ~100 lines of pure rendering code that receives the
-plugin's already-fetched data each frame. Uninstalling the skin (or the skin
-crashing) simply restores the built-in look.
-
-```text
-              (unchanged)                        (the skin seam)
- ESPN API ──► update() ──► game view model ──► _render_game() ──► display
-              fetching        (a dict)          │         │
-              caching                           │         └─ built-in
-              scheduling                        └─ skin.render_<mode>(ctx, game)
-              live priority                        draws onto ctx.canvas
-```
-
-## The render funnel
-
-Every sports scoreboard (baseball, football, basketball, hockey — anything
-built on `src/base_classes/sports.py`) renders through exactly one seam:
-`SportsCore._render_game(game, force_clear)`.
-
-1. The mode class's `display()` (live, `SportsUpcoming`, `SportsRecent`)
-   picks `self.current_game` and calls `_render_game`.
-2. `_render_game` lazily loads the configured skin (once, on first render —
-   a broken skin can never block plugin startup).
-3. If a skin is active, the host builds a `SkinContext` — a fresh black
-   canvas at the current display size plus layout/font/logo helpers — and
-   calls the skin's `render_live` / `render_recent` / `render_upcoming`
-   with a **copy** of the game dict.
-4. If the skin returns `True`, the canvas is composited onto the display.
-   If it returns `False`, isn't implemented for that mode, or raises, the
-   built-in `_draw_scorebug_layout` runs instead.
-
-Key properties that fall out of this design:
-
-- **Per-mode fallback.** A skin that only implements `render_live` gets the
-  stock recent/upcoming screens for free.
-- **Three strikes.** A skin that raises 3 times in a row is disabled for the
-  rest of the session (one loud error log per failure); the display never
-  goes dark. Restarting the service re-arms it.
-- **Copies, not references.** Skins receive a shallow copy of the game dict,
-  so a buggy skin cannot corrupt the plugin's scheduling state.
-- **Vegas mode works untouched.** Vegas capture falls back to grabbing the
-  regular `display()` output, which is already skin-rendered. Skins can
-  additionally implement `render_vegas_card` for purpose-built scroll cards,
-  and hosts can call `SportsCore.render_skin_card(game, size)` to use it.
-- **Hot-loop caution.** `render_live` runs every display-loop pass during a
-  live game. The host logs a warning when a skin render exceeds 150 ms, and
-  `scripts/validate_skin.py` enforces a budget at development time — but
-  Python cannot forcibly time-out a stuck render, so a skin that blocks
-  (network I/O, giant image ops) stalls the display. This is why the rules
-  in CREATING_SKINS.md ban I/O in render paths.
-
-## The view model contract
-
-The `game` dict a skin receives is the plugin's already-extracted view model
-(`SportsCore._extract_game_details_common` plus per-sport extras from
-`src/base_classes/{baseball,basketball,football,hockey}.py`).
-
-- **Guaranteed keys (view model v1.0)** — always present for every sport:
-  `id`, `game_time`, `game_date`, `start_time_utc` (a UTC `datetime`),
-  `status_text`, `is_live`, `is_final`, `is_upcoming`, `is_halftime`,
-  `home_abbr`/`away_abbr`, `home_id`/`away_id`, `home_score`/`away_score`
-  (**strings**), `home_logo_path`/`away_logo_path`, `home_record`/`away_record`.
-- **Sport extras** — documented per sport in CREATING_SKINS.md (e.g. baseball
-  adds `inning`, `inning_half`, `balls`, `strikes`, `outs`, `bases_occupied`).
-- **Optional keys** (`odds`, rankings, `series_summary`, …) are present only
-  when the feature is enabled — skins must always use `.get()`.
-
-Versioning policy: additive changes bump the minor version
-(`VIEW_MODEL_VERSION` in `src/skin_system/skin_base.py`, surfaced to skins as
-`ctx.view_model_version`); renaming or removing a guaranteed key requires a
-major bump plus a compat shim. `test/test_skin_system.py::TestViewModelContract`
-fails CI if a guaranteed key disappears from the extractor.
-
-Separately, `SKIN_API_VERSION` versions the Python API (`ScoreboardSkin`,
-`SkinContext`). The loader refuses a skin whose manifest declares a different
-major version and falls back to the built-in renderer with a clear
-"skin needs an update" log line.
-
-## Package layout and lifecycle
-
-```text
-skins/<skin-id>/
-  skin.json      # manifest (required)
-  skin.py        # ScoreboardSkin subclass (required)
-  preview.png    # optional, shown by the web UI
-  assets/        # optional skin-local images
-  helpers.py ... # optional extra modules (namespaced per skin at import)
-```
-
-Skins live in the central `skins/` directory — deliberately **not** inside the
-plugin's directory, because plugin reinstall/update deletes the whole plugin
-directory and a skin must survive that. One skin can also target several
-plugins (mlb + milb).
-
-Lifecycle: discovered lazily on first render → manifest validated → API major
-version gated → module imported under a namespaced `sys.modules` key (two
-skins can both ship a `helpers.py`, same scheme plugins use) → instantiated
-with `(manifest, options)`. Every failure logs and falls back to built-in.
-
-Skins should be **stateless**: the live, recent, and upcoming mode classes
-each hold their own skin instance, so derive everything from `(ctx, game)`.
-
-## Selection and configuration
-
-Inside the plugin's own config section in `config/config.json`:
-
-```json
-"baseball-scoreboard": {
-  "skin": "retro-baseball",
-  "skin_options": { "accent_color": [255, 80, 0] }
-}
-```
-
-`"skin"` is either one id for all modes or a per-mode mapping
-(`{"live": "retro-baseball", "recent": "built-in"}`). Absent, empty, or
-`"built-in"` means the stock renderer. Because this rides the plugin's config
-section, it persists across plugin reinstalls like every other setting.
-
-The web UI shows a **Visual Skin** dropdown for plugins that have matching
-skins installed: `SchemaManager.inject_skin_selector` adds an enum to the
-*served* schema only. Validation never sees the enum — so a config that
-references an uninstalled skin stays valid (rendering just falls back), and
-the currently-configured value is always kept selectable. `GET /api/v3/skins`
-lists installed skins (optionally filtered by `?plugin_id=`).
-
-## Distribution
-
-- **Manual:** `git clone <skin repo> skins/<skin-id>` — that's the whole
-  install. No manifest bumps, no `update_registry.py`; skins are not monorepo
-  plugins.
-- **Store:** registry entries with `"type": "skin"` install through the same
-  `plugins.json` pipeline; `PluginStoreManager` routes them to `skins/`,
-  validates `skin.json` (including the API major version) instead of
-  `manifest.json`, and never installs dependencies — skins are render-only
-  (stdlib + PIL + the provided context, no third-party packages in v1).
-
-## Trust model
-
-A skin is Python executing inside the display service — **exactly the same
-trust level as a plugin**, even though "skin" sounds cosmetic. Only install
-skins from sources you'd be willing to install a plugin from.
-
-## v2 directions (not in v1)
-
-- A generic `BasePlugin` opt-in (`render_with_skin()`) so non-sports plugins
-  (weather, music) can offer skinnable layouts; `skin_runtime` is already
-  sports-agnostic in anticipation.
-- Store UI: preview gallery, one-click install from the skin browser.
-- An update path for git-cloned skins (today: re-clone or store reinstall).
-- Animation support in skins (today the API is one frame per render call;
-  stateful tricks work but are at-your-own-risk).

docs/SPORTS_UNIFICATION.md

@@ -7,9 +7,9 @@ becoming nine clients of a god class.
 
 Nine plugins (`afl`, `baseball`, `basketball`, `football`, `hockey`, `lacrosse`,
 `nrl`, `soccer`, `ufc`) each ship a ~3,000-line `sports.py` descended from this
-repo's `src/base_classes/sports.py`. They have drifted into three lineages, and
-only 28 of the 66 methods appearing across them are present in all nine. One
-logical fix (the UTC start-time bug) cost 75 files.
+repo's former `src/base_classes/sports.py` (since removed). They have drifted
+into three lineages, and only 28 of the 66 methods appearing across them are
+present in all nine. One logical fix (the UTC start-time bug) cost 75 files.
 
 Merging everything into one base class would fix the duplication and create a
 worse problem: a single 2,500-line class that all nine plugins inherit, where any
@@ -26,8 +26,8 @@ These are independent concerns. Conflating them is what produces god classes.
 |---|---|
 | Plugin loads on a core that predates a module | Guarded import with a bundled fallback (`try: from src.X import Y / except ModuleNotFoundError: from y import Y`) |
 | Plugin loads on a core that predates a *method* | Capability probing — `hasattr(SportsCore, "_detect_stale_games")` — never a version comparison. The loader's compat check is advisory-only (it logs and continues), so probing is the real protection. |
-| Core changes never break a plugin's rendering | The **view-model contract**: `_extract_game_details_common` returns a dict whose `GUARANTEED_KEYS` are frozen by `test/test_skin_system.py::TestViewModelContract`. Keys may be added, never renamed or removed. |
-| A plugin can drop its bundled copy safely | The **sunset rule**: its manifest must floor `ledmatrix_min_version` at the first core release shipping the module (recorded in `CHANGELOG.md`) — *necessary but not sufficient*. Nothing enforces that floor today, so the copy also waits for the B6 gate below. |
+| Core changes never break a plugin's rendering | The **view-model contract**: the game dict each plugin's `_extract_game_details_common` builds is read by the shared `src/common` renderers, so its keys may be added, never renamed or removed. |
+| A plugin can drop its bundled copy safely | The **sunset rule**: its manifest must floor `ledmatrix_min_version` at the first core release shipping the module (recorded in `CHANGELOG.md`) — *necessary but not sufficient*. The store enforces that floor on every registry-managed install and on both supported update paths (sideloading via `install_from_url` is not gated), but a floor cannot reach a user who never updates, so the copy also waits for the B6 gate below. |
 
 The core API is **additive-only**. A method the plugins call is never removed or
 given a new required parameter; new behavior arrives as new methods with
@@ -67,23 +67,43 @@ This is the property the naive merge destroys, and it is enforced structurally:
 
 ## Layering
 
-```
-src/base_classes/sports/
-  __init__.py            re-exports the public API (import path unchanged)
-  core.py                SportsCore — fetch, cache, config, logos, fonts, odds,
-                         view-model extraction, the skin seam
-  modes.py               SportsUpcoming / SportsRecent / SportsLive
-  capabilities/
-    celebrations.py      CelebrationMixin        (opt-in: 4 of 9 plugins)
-    rotation.py          RotationStrategy + registry
+`src/base_classes/` has been removed: no scoreboard plugin built on it. B1 and
+B2 below promoted code into it (`SportsCore`, the mode classes,
+`CelebrationMixin`, the rotation strategies); the override points and
+capabilities sections record that design, but none of it ships in core any
+more. Shared sports code lives in `src/common`:
 
-src/common/
-  sports_scroll.py       SportsScrollDisplay / …Manager — scroll orchestration
-                         (content building stays in the plugins)
-```
+| Module | Since | Holds |
+|---|---|---|
+| `sports_scroll.py` | 3.2.0 | `SportsScrollDisplay` / `SportsScrollDisplayManager` — scroll orchestration (content building stays in the plugins) |
+| `sports_card.py` | 3.3.0 | Free functions for card settings, colours, favourite-team rules, dates and font sizes |
+| `sports_game_renderer.py` | 3.3.0 | `SportsGameRendererMixin` — scroll/Vegas card geometry |
+| `sports_shared.py` | 3.3.0 | `SportsCoreSharedMixin`, `SportsLiveSharedMixin`, `SportsRecentSharedMixin` — the sport-independent `sports.py` methods |
+| `sports_helpers.py` | 3.5.0 | clamp/logo/rotation free functions and `SportsHelpersMixin`, plus the `_favorite_key` seam |
+| `espn_dates.py` | 3.5.0 | ESPN date-range and `limit` workarounds |
+| `favorite_team_check.py` | 3.6.0 | `FavoriteTeamCheck` — logs why a favourite team code shows nothing |
+| `sports_timezone.py` | 3.6.0 | Which timezone start times are drawn in (`resolve_timezone_name`) |
+| `sports_celebration.py` | 3.7.0 | `SportsCelebrationMixin` — draws the score/win takeover; colour helpers |
+| `sports_fetch.py` | 3.7.0 | `SportsFetchMixin` — season fetch, live lookback and live-odds decisions |
+| `sports_card_wrappers.py` | 3.7.0 | `SportsCardWrappersMixin` — the game renderer's `sports_card` delegations |
 
-`from src.base_classes.sports import SportsCore` keeps working — the package
-`__init__` re-exports, so the conversion is invisible to every existing importer.
+Each is described in [src/common/README.md](../src/common/README.md).
+
+### Converging on `src/common`
+
+The scoreboards never built on `src/base_classes` (now removed); their own
+`sports.py` copies had moved past it. So shared code now lands in hardware-free `src/common`
+modules taken from the plugin copies, each a **new module** rather than growth
+on an existing one: a plugin that deletes a method copy and relies on an older
+module having gained it fails at runtime with an `AttributeError`, while a
+missing module fails at load, where the version checks can see it.
+`sports_helpers.py` is the newest (it holds `_favorite_key`, the override point
+listed below, for later phases); its parity test compares every body against
+the plugin copies when `LEDMATRIX_PLUGINS` points at a checkout, and
+`test/test_common_is_hardware_free.py` keeps `src/common` free of
+`rgbmatrix`, `src.display_manager` and `src.plugin_system`. How a plugin adopts a
+module and drops its copy is documented in the plugins repo's
+`docs/plugin-development/08-shared-sports-code.md`.
 
 ## Override points (the plugin-facing seam)
 
@@ -97,7 +117,6 @@ deprecation cycle.
 | `_extract_game_details(event)` | Sport-specific view-model fields on top of the common ones | delegates to `_extract_game_details_common` |
 | `_draw_scorebug_layout(game, force_clear)` | Sport's card rendering | base layout |
 | `_custom_scorebug_layout(game, draw)` | Per-sport overlay on the base layout | no-op |
-| `render_skin_card(game, size)` | Skin-system entry point | built-in fallback |
 | `score_phrase(points, team_abbr)` | Celebration wording (`"GOOOOAAALLL!"` vs `"TOUCHDOWN!"`). `points` is the score delta, which sports with variable-value scores use to name the play | `"<abbr> SCORES!"` — only consulted when `CelebrationMixin` is present |
 | `win_phrase(team_abbr)` | Win-celebration wording | `"<abbr> WINS!"` — mixin only |
 | `_favorite_key(game, side)` | Which view-model field identifies a team for favorites matching | `game["<side>_abbr"]` |
@@ -152,6 +171,15 @@ Mix it in **before** the mode class — `class SoccerLive(CelebrationMixin,
 SportsLive)` — so the celebration `display()` runs first and falls through to
 the scorebug via `super()`.
 
+What shipped is narrower. `src/common/sports_celebration.py`
+(`SportsCelebrationMixin`) holds only the drawing, which is identical in the
+five scoreboards that celebrate (afl, football, hockey, nrl, soccer — hockey
+grew celebrations after this was written). Arming a celebration stays in each
+plugin: the trigger bodies differ (nrl matches favourites by team id, football
+folds a touchdown's extra point into one celebration and picks scenery by
+points), and so does `display()`. The seams above were not needed to move the
+drawing, so none was added.
+
 **Rotation strategies.** The three "dialects" turned out to be one algorithm
 (Smooth Weighted Round-Robin) in two shapes: an incremental picker holding state
 across calls (afl/nrl/soccer) and a precomputed per-cycle list
@@ -170,9 +198,9 @@ and a typo should cost the boost, not the scoreboard. When a plugin needs an
 ordering that core does not ship, it calls `register_rotation_strategy` to add
 its own — rather than core growing a branch for it.
 
-`test_sports_capabilities.py` checks each strategy against a **verbatim
-transcription** of the plugin code it replaces, over every live-game shape up to
-four games. That differential is what B5 deletes the bundled copies on the
+`test_sports_capabilities.py` (removed with `src/base_classes`) checked each
+strategy against a **verbatim transcription** of the plugin code it replaces,
+over every live-game shape up to four games. That differential is what B5 deletes the bundled copies on the
 strength of.
 
 ## Scroll display — where the promotion line falls
@@ -199,12 +227,20 @@ The one behavior the upstreamed version adds is native
 Part A threaded it through each copy by hand, and this makes that threading
 legacy compatibility rather than the mechanism.
 
+> **Superseded.** Once presentation became frame-locked (#545) the helper
+> steps a fixed whole-pixel amount per presented frame and the panel presents
+> at its own refresh, so honouring `target_fps` only turned it into a speed
+> multiplier (60 doubled a scoreboard's speed, 200 halved it). `sports_scroll`
+> no longer reads it: the crisp-speed ladder uses the panel refresh
+> (`display_manager.refresh_hz`), and speed comes from
+> `scroll_settings.scroll_speed` alone. See `docs/SCROLL_PERFORMANCE.md`.
+
 ## Phases
 
 B0–B3 are merged and shipping in core 3.2.0. Everything that remains is
 **rollout**, and it splits into three phases with very different risk profiles.
 The original plan folded the last two together; they are separated here because
-one of them is safe by construction and the other is not.
+one of them cannot break a user on an old core and the other can.
 
 | Phase | Scope | Status | Gate |
 |---|---|---|---|
@@ -212,9 +248,9 @@ one of them is safe by construction and the other is not.
 | **B1** | Promote the nine universal methods; convert `sports.py` → package | ✅ | Characterization suite green; no behavior change intended |
 | **B2** | `CelebrationMixin` + rotation strategies as opt-in capabilities | ✅ | Non-adopters have zero new code in their MRO; strategies checked against verbatim plugin transcriptions |
 | **B3** | Upstream the scroll **orchestration** layer as `src/common/sports_scroll.py`, reading `global_config['target_fps']` natively | ✅ | Content building stays per-sport |
-| **B4** | Ship 3.2.0 *and* make version reporting trustworthy | ⏳ **next** | Tag, release, and `src.__version__` agree; compatibility gate merged |
-| **B5** | Adoption — guarded core imports: three pilots, then the remaining six. **Bundled copies stay.** | after B4 | Per plugin: harness + goldens byte-identical, then a device soak |
-| **B6** | Sunset — delete the bundled copies | **blocked** | B4's gate shipped *and* in users' hands (see below) |
+| **B4** | Ship 3.2.0 *and* make version reporting trustworthy | ✅ | Released 2026-08-03; tag, release and `src.__version__` agree; compatibility gate merged (#428, #431, #433) |
+| **B5** | Adoption — guarded core imports, all eight. **Bundled copies stay.** | ✅ | All eight adopted; harness byte-identical; see the B5 retrospective below — four shipped broken and were repaired in plugins #251 |
+| **B6** | Sunset — delete the bundled copies | ✅ | Ran 2026-09-01, all eight. Floors at 3.2.0; the store refuses on all three routes in (#431/#433, #508, #510). See "B6 — what actually happened" |
 
 ### B4 — what "ship 3.2.0" actually requires
 
@@ -234,6 +270,20 @@ a floor can be trusted against, and today it is not:
   compares the plugin's manifest version against the registry's
   `latest_version` and nothing else.
 
+  *Fixed, in two parts.* `install_plugin` gained the gate in #431/#433, which
+  covers every registry-managed install and, through `_reinstall_with_rollback`,
+  the update path that re-downloads.
+  `update_plugin`'s git branch pulls in place and re-downloads nothing, so it
+  stayed ungated until `_gate_pulled_commit` closed it — checked after the pull
+  (the registry carries no floor field, so the incoming floor is unknowable
+  before it) and undone with `git reset --hard` to the pre-pull commit. That
+  route is rare in practice, since monorepo plugins install as archives; it was
+  closed because the sunset rule in the plugins repo's
+  `08-shared-sports-code.md` states as **condition 3** that the core enforces
+  the floor "at install/update time", and B6 rests on that being true rather
+  than merely written down. `install_from_url` — sideloading a plugin from a
+  URL — is still ungated.
+
 So B4 is: tag and release 3.2.0; make the tag, the release, and `__version__`
 agree, and keep them agreeing; reconsider the `< 2.0.0` skip; migrate manifests
 from `ledmatrix_min` to `ledmatrix_min_version`; and add the install/update
@@ -262,13 +312,21 @@ default is the more restrictive.
 `compatible_versions`. No manifest still carries it, so there is nothing to
 migrate there.)
 
-### B5 — adoption is safe by construction
+### B5 — the *fallback* is safe by construction; the modern path is not
+
+The heading matters, because the unqualified version of this claim is false and
+this document proves it two sections down: four of the eight adopted plugins
+shipped with scroll mode broken on a 3.2.0 core. What is safe by construction is
+narrower than "adoption".
 
 A plugin adopting core imports keeps its bundled copy and reaches it through the
-guarded import (see the Upgradability table above). On a core that ships the
-module the plugin uses core code; on one that doesn't it falls back and behaves
-exactly as it does today. There is no version of this step that breaks a user,
-which is why it does not wait for B6's gate.
+guarded import (see the Upgradability table above). On a core that doesn't ship
+the module the plugin falls back and behaves exactly as it does today. That
+fallback compatibility — and only that — is safe by construction. On a core that
+*does* ship the module, correctness is not automatic — object-level and scroll-mode validation
+(building both classes and comparing, per the retrospective below) is required
+to prove full behavior. There is no version of this step that breaks a user *on
+an old core*, which is why it does not wait for B6's gate.
 
 The hockey scroll-display pilot is **already validated**: adopted against a core
 carrying 3.2.0, `scroll_display.py` went from 691 to 289 lines and all 16 harness
@@ -297,7 +355,8 @@ been in users' hands long enough that the population running a core without it
 is small.** The bundled copies cost disk space; deleting them early costs
 scoreboards, silently. That trade is not close.
 
-Before the first sunset, add a **compatibility regression test**. It has to
+Before the first sunset, add a **compatibility regression test**. **Built:**
+core `test/test_sports_sunset_matrix.py` (#505). It has to
 cover four cases, not one — B5's safety claim and B6's failure mode are
 different propositions and only the second is obvious:
 
@@ -321,35 +380,145 @@ gate rather than trusting the failure to be noticed.
 The same suite should exercise the install/update gate, since it is the other
 half of the guarantee.
 
+### B6 — what actually happened
+
+**Ran 2026-09-01, across all eight scoreboards.** Held from 2026-08-05 to
+2026-09-01 on the argument below, which is kept because the reasoning applies to
+the next module, not because it is still in force.
+
+**The hold, and why it lifted.** The stated gate was evidence of 3.2.0 uptake —
+"a few months of it being the default download, or store-side install data".
+That evidence never arrived and could not: the core updates by
+`git pull --rebase`, so release-asset counts cannot measure uptake, and no
+store-side telemetry exists. What changed instead is that the *risk* the gate
+protected against was closed directly. The store now refuses a plugin whose
+floor exceeds the running core on **all three** routes in:
+
+| route | gated by |
+|---|---|
+| `install_plugin` — every path that re-downloads, `_reinstall_with_rollback` included | #431, #433 |
+| `update_plugin`'s git branch — pulls in place, re-downloads nothing | #508 |
+| `install_from_url` — sideloading | #510 |
+
+With all three closed a pre-3.2.0 user cannot receive a sunset plugin at all;
+they keep the version they already run. The population the hold existed to
+protect is protected by refusal rather than by a bundled copy — which is what
+the copy was standing in for.
+
+**What shipped.** Eight plugins, ~5,800 lines of frozen fallback deleted. Each:
+copy removed, guarded import collapsed to a plain one, floor raised to 3.2.0,
+`test_core_fallback.py` rewritten as `test_core_scroll.py` asserting the sunset
+rather than the fallback. `scripts/check_scroll_adoption.py` gained
+`sunset_violations` and a `SUNSET_PLUGINS` set naming all eight, so a
+resurrected copy or a returned guard fails CI.
+
+Delivered as plugins #346 (hockey, later folded into #351), #349 (football),
+#350 (baseball), #351 (the remaining six).
+
+**Two things found by doing it, both worth carrying forward:**
+
+- **Only one fallback held orchestration logic the core lacked.** baseball's
+  `_configure_scroll_helper` reinterpreted `scroll_speed` as pixels-per-*frame*
+  when `speed × delay` fell outside the 0.1–5.0 window — measured, 10–20×
+  faster than configured for a speed between 1.0 and 5.0. Standardised onto the
+  core's behaviour (honour the documented px/sec, clamp) rather than preserved.
+  Every other difference across the eight was a docstring, an unreachable
+  `scroll_helper is None` guard, or an equivalent diagnostic.
+- **Two tests had been leaning on the guard without anyone knowing.**
+  `soccer/test_live_screens.py` stubbed `src` in a way that shadowed the core,
+  so its guarded import fell back and the test had been exercising the *frozen
+  copy* rather than the shipping class since B5. Before sunsetting anything else
+  that carries a guarded core import, grep for tests that stub `src`.
+
+**The floor-raising traps still apply** to any future sunset: four plugins
+declare their floor top-level, where editing `versions[0]` is a silent no-op,
+and the floor has three live spellings (`min_ledmatrix_version`,
+`requires.min_ledmatrix_version`, `versions[].ledmatrix_min_version`, plus
+deprecated `ledmatrix_min`). See
+`src/plugin_system/compatibility.py:declared_min_version` for the resolution
+order any floor-raising tool must reproduce — and note the name is **inverted**
+between the top level and `versions[]`.
+
+**Still not adopted, deliberately:** `data_sources.py`, `game_renderer.py` and
+`base_odds_manager.py`. The standing decision held them until B6 closed; it now
+has, so they can be reconsidered — with B5's lesson applied, which is to build
+the object and diff rendered output rather than trust a static check.
+
+### B5 retrospective — what the adoption actually cost
+
+Recorded because it is the evidence behind the two decisions above, and because
+"the adoption went fine" is not what happened.
+
+**Four of the eight shipped with scroll mode broken** on a 3.2.0 core, and were
+repaired in plugins-repo #251. The restructure lifted the content methods
+verbatim but left the state they read off `self` behind: separator-icon
+constants (hockey, basketball, lacrosse) and the game-renderer cache (afl).
+hockey/basketball/lacrosse could not construct the scroll display at all; afl
+raised inside `prepare_scroll_content`, which the core base *catches*, so its
+only symptom was scroll mode silently drawing nothing.
+
+Three things are worth carrying forward:
+
+- **The bundled fallback did not protect anyone from this.** The break was on
+  the modern path, which the fallback never touches. Carrying the second copy
+  bought nothing against the actual defect while creating the divergence that
+  produced it. That is an argument *for* B6, not against it.
+- **Every gate was green.** The safety harness renders the scoreboard screens,
+  not scroll mode; `test_core_fallback.py` checked that methods existed and that
+  their *globals* resolved, and `self.NHL_SEPARATOR_ICON` is an attribute read,
+  invisible to an AST scan for `Name` loads. The fix was to stop reasoning about
+  source and **build the object**: construct both classes on both paths, compare
+  the separator icons they end up with, and assert the adopted class ends up
+  with every instance attribute the bundled one sets.
+- **Test what the change touches, not what is convenient to render.** Scroll
+  mode had no coverage because the harness could not reach it. A comparison
+  harness that renders the same games through both paths and diffs the pixels
+  needs no per-sport knowledge of the right answer, only that adopting core code
+  did not change it.
+
+**The ledger.** Before adoption, eight duplicated copies totalled 5,685 lines.
+After adoption plus the frozen legacy copies it was 10,610; removing the dead
+inline duplication (plugins #252) brought it to roughly 8,620. B6 would take it
+to about 3,300 including the shared core module — some 2,400 fewer than before
+this project started. **Until B6 runs, the adoption is net negative on disk**,
+and its one delivered user-visible gain was that adopted plugins honoured the
+global `target_fps` instead of hardcoding ~100 FPS (since withdrawn: see the
+note under the B3 design above).
+
+### Decision: stop adopting further modules until B6 closes
+
+`data_sources.py` (9 copies), `game_renderer.py` (8) and `base_odds_manager.py`
+are the obvious next candidates. **Do not adopt them yet.** Each adoption adds
+carrying cost — a second copy to keep in step — against a payoff that is
+contingent on B6, and B6 is gated on an installed base we cannot currently
+measure. Consolidate what is already committed; revisit when B6 does.
+
 ## What's next
 
-In order. Each step is independently useful and independently revertible.
+Steps 1–5 of the original plan are **done**: 3.2.0 is tagged and published with
+a version number CI now asserts (#428), the compatibility gate is in
+`install_plugin` and reads `compatible_versions` as well as the floor
+(#431, #433), the newest manifest entry is required to use `ledmatrix_min_version`
+(plugins #244), and all eight plugins have adopted the scroll orchestration
+(plugins #245–#249, repaired in #251, tidied in #252).
 
-1. **Tag and publish v3.2.0.** The code is already on `main` (`21825cbf`).
-   Nothing else blocks this, and it is what makes `ledmatrix_min_version:
-   "3.2.0"` refer to something real.
-2. **Make the version number honest.** Have the release process assert that the
-   tag, the GitHub release, and `src.__version__` agree — a check in CI is
-   cheaper than the confusion of the last two releases. Then revisit the
-   `< 2.0.0` skip in `_warn_if_incompatible`, which currently silences the
-   warning for the users who most need it.
-3. **Add the compatibility gate** to `StoreManager.install_plugin` and
-   `.update_plugin`: refuse a plugin whose declared floor exceeds
-   `src.__version__`, and surface the reason in the store UI rather than only
-   the log. This is the single change that turns the floor from documentation
-   into a guarantee, and B6 depends on it.
-4. **Migrate the manifests** to `ledmatrix_min_version`, and reconcile them with
-   `compatible_versions` (see above — that field is the required, canonical one,
-   and the gate does not read it yet). Currently 28 plugins spell the floor both
-   ways across their `versions[]` entries, 12 use only the old spelling, and 2
-   only the new. Scope the sweep to the nine sports plugins if a 42-plugin
-   version-bump wave isn't worth it — but the `compatible_versions` half has to
-   cover every manifest the gate can refuse, or define explicit legacy handling,
-   before the gate is allowed to block anything.
-5. **Run B5 adoption** — hockey, soccer, football, then the remaining six.
-   Bundled copies stay. Byte-identical harness output per plugin, then a soak.
-6. **Only then plan B6**, with the compatibility regression test described above
-   in CI first.
+What actually remains, smallest first:
+
+1. **Soak the adoptions on hardware.** football and hockey have been run on a
+   live rig through real games; baseball was watched through one earlier. The
+   rest are proven by harness, unit tests and pixel comparison. Out-of-season
+   sports cannot be soaked until their season starts. When you do, **check the
+   rig's `*_display_mode` first** — a board in `switch` mode will happily load a
+   sunset plugin and tell you nothing about the scroll code the sunset changed.
+2. **Cut 3.3.0.** Not required by B6 — its floors are 3.2.0, which is released —
+   but `calendar` 1.2.3 floors at 3.3.0 for the device-authorization endpoints
+   that landed after 3.2.0, so it is un-installable until the release exists.
+3. **Reconsider the held modules** (`data_sources.py`, `game_renderer.py`,
+   `base_odds_manager.py`) now that the sunset has closed. `game_renderer.py` is
+   the largest single duplication left: ~11,500 lines across eight plugins, with
+   ~36,500 more in the eight `sports.py`. The `src/base_classes/sports/`
+   package promoted in B1/B2 was never imported by a plugin and has been
+   removed, so the plugin copies are the only starting point.
 
 ## How to keep this project healthy
 
@@ -382,6 +551,7 @@ Lessons this migration paid for, worth applying beyond it:
 - **A capability that is not opted into must not execute.** If you find yourself
   writing `if self.<capability>_enabled` inside a base class, it belongs in a
   mixin.
-- **Touch the view-model keys only additively.** Published skins depend on them.
+- **Touch the view-model keys only additively.** The shared `src/common`
+  renderers read them.
 - **Every promotion lands with the characterization suite green**, and every
   pilot adoption lands with that plugin's harness and golden suites green.

docs/SSH_UNAVAILABLE_AFTER_INSTALL.md

@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ After running `first_time_install.sh`, SSH may become unavailable for the follow
 
 **Primary Cause**: The WiFi monitor service (`ledmatrix-wifi-monitor`) automatically enables Access Point (AP) mode when it detects that the Raspberry Pi is not connected to WiFi. When AP mode is active:
 
-- The Pi creates its own WiFi network: **LEDMatrix-Setup** (password: `ledmatrix123`)
+- The Pi creates its own WiFi network: **LEDMatrix-Setup** (open, no password)
 - The Pi's WiFi interface (`wlan0`) switches from client mode to AP mode
 - **This disconnects the Pi from your original WiFi network**
 - SSH becomes unavailable because the Pi is no longer on your network
@@ -20,7 +20,22 @@ The installation script:
 - Installs and configures `dnsmasq` (DHCP server for AP mode)
 - These services can interfere with normal WiFi client mode
 
-### 3. Reboot After Installation
+### 3. The Board Ran Out of Memory
+
+On a 512MB or 1GB board, memory exhaustion stops `sshd` being able to fork a
+session process. The connection is accepted and then closed immediately, before
+any banner:
+
+```text
+kex_exchange_identification: Connection closed by remote host
+```
+
+The giveaway is that the board is otherwise healthy — ping is clean and the web
+UI still responds — but nothing that needs to start a new process works, and
+the panel is usually dark. Only a power cycle clears it. See
+[LOW_MEMORY_BOARDS.md](LOW_MEMORY_BOARDS.md).
+
+### 4. Reboot After Installation
 
 If the script reboots the Pi (which it recommends), network services may restart in a different state, potentially triggering AP mode.
 
@@ -30,7 +45,7 @@ If the script reboots the Pi (which it recommends), network services may restart
 
 1. **Find the AP Network**:
    - Look for a WiFi network named **LEDMatrix-Setup** on your phone/computer
-   - Default password: `ledmatrix123`
+   - It is an open network: no password
 
 2. **Connect to the AP**:
    - Connect your device to the **LEDMatrix-Setup** network
@@ -38,7 +53,7 @@ If the script reboots the Pi (which it recommends), network services may restart
 
 3. **SSH via AP Mode**:
    ```bash
-   ssh devpi@192.168.4.1
+   ssh ledpi@192.168.4.1
    ```
 
 4. **Disable AP Mode and Reconnect to WiFi**:
@@ -81,7 +96,7 @@ sudo nmcli device wifi connect "YourWiFiSSID" password "YourPassword"
 
 If your Pi is connected via Ethernet:
 - SSH should remain available via Ethernet even if WiFi is in AP mode
-- Connect via: `ssh devpi@<pi-ip-address>`
+- Connect via: `ssh ledpi@<pi-ip-address>`
 
 ### Option 4: Physical Access
 
@@ -119,14 +134,22 @@ sudo systemctl disable ledmatrix-wifi-monitor
 
 ### Method 3: Configure WiFi Monitor to Not Auto-Enable AP
 
-Edit the WiFi monitor configuration to prevent automatic AP mode:
+Turn off `auto_enable_ap_mode` so the monitor never starts AP mode on its
+own (you can still enable AP mode by hand). Either switch off
+**Auto-Enable AP Mode** in the web interface's **WiFi** tab, or use the API:
 
 ```bash
-# Edit the WiFi config (if it exists)
-nano /home/devpi/LEDMatrix/config/wifi_config.json
+curl -X POST http://<pi-ip-address>:5000/api/v3/wifi/ap/auto-enable \
+  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
+  -d '{"auto_enable_ap_mode": false}'
+```
 
-# Or modify the WiFi monitor daemon behavior
-# (requires code changes to wifi_monitor_daemon.py)
+Or set `"auto_enable_ap_mode": false` in `config/wifi_config.json` by hand.
+The monitor daemon reads `wifi_config.json` when it starts, so whichever way
+you change the setting, restart it afterwards:
+
+```bash
+sudo systemctl restart ledmatrix-wifi-monitor
 ```
 
 ## Verification Steps
@@ -134,7 +157,7 @@ nano /home/devpi/LEDMatrix/config/wifi_config.json
 After regaining SSH access, verify your installation:
 
 ```bash
-cd /home/devpi/LEDMatrix
+cd ~/LEDMatrix   # wherever you installed LEDMatrix
 ./scripts/verify_installation.sh
 ```
 
@@ -143,9 +166,11 @@ This script will check:
 - Python dependencies
 - Configuration files
 - File permissions
-- Web interface availability
+- Web interface availability (`ledmatrix-web` listening on port 5000)
 - Network connectivity
 
+Once it passes, the web interface is at `http://<pi-ip>:5000`.
+
 ## Quick Reference Commands
 
 ```bash
@@ -190,13 +215,25 @@ The web interface allows you to:
 
 ## Summary
 
-**SSH becomes unavailable because**:
+**SSH becomes unavailable because** — two unrelated causes, and they need
+different responses:
+
+*AP mode (most common):*
 - WiFi monitor service enables AP mode when WiFi disconnects
 - AP mode switches WiFi from client to access point mode
 - Pi loses connection to your original network
 
+*Memory exhaustion (low-memory boards):*
+- The board runs out of memory, so `sshd` cannot fork a session process
+- The connection is accepted and closed before any banner
+- Ping still answers and the web UI still responds, so it looks healthy
+- The panel is usually dark and the service cannot restart
+- **Only a power cycle clears this** — there is no remote recovery, because
+  every remote route needs a new process
+- Prevention and tuning: [LOW_MEMORY_BOARDS.md](LOW_MEMORY_BOARDS.md)
+
 **To regain SSH**:
-1. Connect to **LEDMatrix-Setup** AP network (password: `ledmatrix123`)
+1. Connect to **LEDMatrix-Setup** AP network (open, no password)
 2. SSH to `192.168.4.1`
 3. Disable AP mode and reconnect to your WiFi network
 4. Or disable the WiFi monitor service if not needed

docs/STARLARK_APPS_GUIDE.md

@@ -102,9 +102,16 @@ cd /path/to/LEDMatrix
 bash scripts/download_pixlet.sh
 ```
 
+The script downloads only the Linux ARM64 build (Raspberry Pi OS 64-bit),
+from the `tronbyt/pixlet` releases, to `bin/pixlet/pixlet-linux-arm64`. On
+any other platform (32-bit Pi OS, x86_64, macOS), put a `pixlet` binary on
+your `PATH`, or set the plugin's `pixlet_path`, or place it in `bin/pixlet/`
+under the name `_find_pixlet_binary()` looks for
+([`web_interface/blueprints/api_v3/__init__.py`](../web_interface/blueprints/api_v3/__init__.py)).
+
 Verify installation:
 ```bash
-./bin/pixlet/pixlet-linux-amd64 version
+./bin/pixlet/pixlet-linux-arm64 version
 # Pixlet 0.50.2 (or later)
 ```
 
@@ -127,7 +134,7 @@ Verify installation:
 3. Filter by category: Weather, Sports, Finance, Games, Clocks, etc.
 4. Click **Install** on desired apps
 5. Configure each app:
-   - Set location/timezone
+   - Set location/timezone (optional: blank uses this device's location)
    - Enter API keys if required
    - Customize display preferences
 
@@ -137,7 +144,12 @@ Each app may have different configuration options:
 
 #### Common Configuration Types
 
-- **Location** (lat/lng/timezone): For weather, clocks, transit
+- **Location** (lat/lng/timezone): For weather, clocks, transit. Left blank,
+  the app renders at this device's location (City / State / Country under
+  General settings). If no city is set there, or the city can't be looked up
+  (no match, or the geocoder is unreachable -- retried after 30 minutes), the
+  app gets no location and falls back to its author's hard-coded default,
+  usually San Francisco. Fill it in only to point one app somewhere else.
 - **API Keys**: For services like weather, stocks, sports scores
 - **Display Preferences**: Colors, units, layouts
 - **Dropdown Options**: Team selections, language, themes
@@ -271,10 +283,8 @@ LEDMatrix/
 │           ├── hour_hand.png
 │           └── minute_hand.png
 │
-├── bin/pixlet/                     # Pixlet binaries
-│   ├── pixlet-linux-amd64
-│   ├── pixlet-linux-arm64
-│   └── pixlet-darwin-arm64
+├── bin/pixlet/                     # Pixlet binary
+│   └── pixlet-linux-arm64          # the only one download_pixlet.sh fetches
 │
 └── scripts/
     └── download_pixlet.sh          # Pixlet installer
@@ -319,7 +329,7 @@ Many apps require API keys for external services:
 **Solutions**:
 1. Check logs: `journalctl -u ledmatrix | grep -i pixlet`
 2. Verify config: Ensure all required fields are filled
-3. Test manually: `./bin/pixlet/pixlet-linux-amd64 render starlark-apps/{app-id}/{app-id}.star`
+3. Test manually: `./bin/pixlet/pixlet-linux-arm64 render starlark-apps/{app-id}/{app-id}.star`
 4. Missing assets: Some apps need images/fonts that may fail to download
 5. API issues: Check API keys and rate limits
 

docs/TROUBLESHOOTING.md

@@ -201,10 +201,11 @@ sudo systemctl restart ledmatrix-web
 
 **Solutions:**
 
-1. **Install dependencies:**
+1. **Install dependencies** as root, so the root display service can import
+   them:
    ```bash
-   pip3 install --break-system-packages -r requirements.txt
-   pip3 install --break-system-packages -r web_interface/requirements.txt
+   sudo python3 -m pip install --break-system-packages --no-cache-dir -r requirements.txt
+   sudo python3 -m pip install --break-system-packages --no-cache-dir -r web_interface/requirements.txt
    ```
 
 2. **Test imports step-by-step:**
@@ -250,15 +251,18 @@ sudo systemctl restart ledmatrix-web
 
 **Solutions:**
 
-```bash
-# Fix ownership of LEDMatrix directory
-sudo chown -R ledpi:ledpi /home/ledpi/LEDMatrix
+[PERMISSIONS.md](PERMISSIONS.md) lists the expected owner and mode of every
+file and directory, and which `scripts/fix_perms/` script to run as which
+user. Don't `chown -R` the whole project: the two sudo helper scripts in
+`scripts/fix_perms/` must stay owned by root.
 
-# Fix config file permissions
+```bash
+# Config files: web user owns both; secrets must stay 640
+stat -c '%U:%G %a %n' config/config.json config/config_secrets.json
 sudo chmod 644 config/config.json
 sudo chmod 640 config/config_secrets.json
 
-# Verify service runs as correct user
+# Which user the web interface runs as
 sudo systemctl cat ledmatrix-web | grep User
 ```
 
@@ -273,7 +277,7 @@ sudo systemctl cat ledmatrix-web | grep User
 1. **Verify file structure:**
    ```bash
    ls -l web_interface/app.py
-   ls -l web_interface/blueprints/api_v3.py
+   ls -ld web_interface/blueprints/api_v3/
    ls -l web_interface/blueprints/pages_v3.py
    ```
 
@@ -330,8 +334,8 @@ sudo systemctl cat ledmatrix-web | grep User
 
 6. **Manually enable AP mode:**
    ```bash
-   # Via API
-   curl -X POST http://localhost:5000/api/wifi/ap/enable
+   # Via API (the WiFi blueprint is mounted under /api/v3)
+   curl -X POST http://localhost:5000/api/v3/wifi/ap/enable
 
    # Via Python
    python3 -c "
@@ -462,15 +466,17 @@ sudo systemctl cat ledmatrix-web | grep User
    }
    ```
 
-2. **Restart display:**
-   ```bash
-   sudo systemctl restart ledmatrix
-   ```
+   Or toggle the plugin on in the **Plugin Manager** tab, which writes the
+   same flag.
 
-3. **Verify in web interface:**
-   - Open the **Plugin Manager** tab
-   - Toggle the plugin switch to enable
-   - From **Overview**, click **Restart Display Service**
+2. **Wait a few seconds.** The display service watches `config.json` and
+   loads a newly enabled plugin without a restart
+   (`DisplayController._reconcile_enabled_plugins()` in
+   [`src/display_controller.py`](../src/display_controller.py)). This
+   needs hot reload, which is on unless `LEDMATRIX_HOT_RELOAD=false` is set.
+
+3. **If it still does not appear**, check the logs for a config validation
+   error, then restart: `sudo systemctl restart ledmatrix`
 
 #### Plugin Not Loading
 
@@ -482,19 +488,21 @@ sudo systemctl cat ledmatrix-web | grep User
 
 1. **Check plugin directory exists:**
    ```bash
-   ls -ld plugins/plugin-id/
+   ls -ld plugin-repos/plugin-id/
    ```
 
 2. **Verify manifest.json:**
    ```bash
-   cat plugins/plugin-id/manifest.json
+   cat plugin-repos/plugin-id/manifest.json
    # Verify all required fields present
    ```
 
-3. **Check dependencies installed:**
+3. **Check dependencies installed.** Install them with `sudo`: the display
+   service runs as root and does not see packages pip put in your user's
+   `~/.local` (see [PLUGIN_DEPENDENCY_GUIDE.md](PLUGIN_DEPENDENCY_GUIDE.md)):
    ```bash
-   if [ -f plugins/plugin-id/requirements.txt ]; then
-     pip3 install --break-system-packages -r plugins/plugin-id/requirements.txt
+   if [ -f plugin-repos/plugin-id/requirements.txt ]; then
+     sudo python3 -m pip install --break-system-packages --no-cache-dir -r plugin-repos/plugin-id/requirements.txt
    fi
    ```
 
@@ -503,14 +511,9 @@ sudo systemctl cat ledmatrix-web | grep User
    sudo journalctl -u ledmatrix -f | grep plugin-id
    ```
 
-5. **Test plugin import:**
+5. **Load and render the plugin headlessly:**
    ```bash
-   python3 -c "
-   import sys
-   sys.path.insert(0, 'plugins/plugin-id')
-   from manager import PluginClass
-   print('Plugin imports successfully')
-   "
+   python3 scripts/check_plugin.py --plugin plugin-id
    ```
 
 #### Stale Cache Data
@@ -523,21 +526,29 @@ sudo systemctl cat ledmatrix-web | grep User
 **Solutions:**
 
 1. **Manual cache clearing:**
-   ```bash
-   # Remove plugin-specific cache
-   rm -rf cache/plugin-id*
 
-   # Or remove all cache
-   rm -rf cache/*
+   The cache does not live in the project directory. The cache manager
+   uses the first writable location among `/var/cache/ledmatrix`,
+   `~/.ledmatrix_cache`, `/opt/ledmatrix/cache`, and
+   `$TMPDIR/ledmatrix_cache`. The easiest option is the helper script:
+
+   ```bash
+   # Clear the cache with the helper script
+   sudo python3 scripts/utils/clear_cache.py --clear-all
+
+   # Or remove files manually from the cache dir in use, e.g.:
+   sudo rm -rf /var/cache/ledmatrix/*
 
    # Restart display
    sudo systemctl restart ledmatrix
    ```
 
-2. **Check cache permissions:**
+2. **Check cache permissions.** Expected: `root:ledmatrix`, `drwxrwsr-x`.
+   `setup_cache.sh` restores that layout (see
+   [PERMISSIONS.md](PERMISSIONS.md#repair-scripts)):
    ```bash
-   ls -ld cache/
-   sudo chown -R ledpi:ledpi cache/
+   ls -ld /var/cache/ledmatrix
+   sudo bash scripts/install/setup_cache.sh
    ```
 
 ---
@@ -605,6 +616,15 @@ sudo systemctl cat ledmatrix-web | grep User
    ```
    **Note:** Minimum recommended: 300 seconds (5 minutes)
 
+   How often the core calls the plugin's `update()` comes from the plugin
+   itself first: its `get_update_interval()` if it has one, then
+   `update_interval` in its `manifest.json`. The `update_interval` in
+   `config.json` is used by the scheduler only when the manifest sets none.
+   Many plugins also read their own config `update_interval` and skip the
+   API call inside `update()` until it has elapsed, which is what makes the
+   setting above effective; check the plugin's settings form or
+   `config_schema.json` for the option it actually honours.
+
 2. **Check current rate limit usage:**
    - OpenWeatherMap free tier: 1,000 calls/day, 60 calls/minute
    - With 300s interval: 288 calls/day (well within limits)
@@ -772,11 +792,11 @@ nmcli device status
 ```bash
 # Check file exists
 ls -l config/config.json
-ls -l plugins/plugin-id/manifest.json
+ls -l plugin-repos/plugin-id/manifest.json
 
 # Check directory structure
 ls -la web_interface/
-ls -la plugins/
+ls -la plugin-repos/
 
 # Check file permissions
 ls -l config/config_secrets.json
@@ -804,7 +824,7 @@ python3 -c "from src.wifi_manager import WiFiManager; print('OK')"
 # Test plugin import
 python3 -c "
 import sys
-sys.path.insert(0, 'plugins/plugin-id')
+sys.path.insert(0, 'plugin-repos/plugin-id')
 from manager import PluginClass
 print('Plugin imports OK')
 "
@@ -812,40 +832,29 @@ print('Plugin imports OK')
 
 ---
 
-## Service File Template
+## Reinstalling Service Files
 
-If your systemd service file is corrupted or missing, use this template:
-
-```ini
-[Unit]
-Description=LEDMatrix Web Interface
-After=network.target
-
-[Service]
-Type=simple
-User=ledpi
-Group=ledpi
-WorkingDirectory=/home/ledpi/LEDMatrix
-Environment="PYTHONUNBUFFERED=1"
-ExecStart=/usr/bin/python3 /home/ledpi/LEDMatrix/web_interface/start.py
-Restart=on-failure
-RestartSec=5s
-StandardOutput=journal
-StandardError=journal
-SyslogIdentifier=ledmatrix-web
-
-[Install]
-WantedBy=multi-user.target
-```
-
-Save to `/etc/systemd/system/ledmatrix-web.service` and run:
+If a systemd service file is corrupted or missing, do NOT hand-write
+one. The real unit files live in the repo's `systemd/` directory
+(`ledmatrix.service`, `ledmatrix-web.service`,
+`ledmatrix-wifi-monitor.service`) and contain a
+`__PROJECT_ROOT_DIR__` placeholder that the install scripts substitute
+with your actual checkout path:
 
 ```bash
-sudo systemctl daemon-reload
-sudo systemctl enable ledmatrix-web
-sudo systemctl start ledmatrix-web
+# Reinstall the display service unit
+sudo ./scripts/install/install_service.sh
+
+# Reinstall the web interface service unit
+sudo ./scripts/install/install_web_service.sh
 ```
 
+Note that `ledmatrix-web.service` runs as root via
+`scripts/utils/start_web_conditionally.py` — root is needed for
+system operations (service control, WiFi management), and the wrapper
+honors the `web_display_autostart` config flag before actually
+starting the web server.
+
 ---
 
 ## Complete Diagnostic Script
@@ -878,7 +887,7 @@ echo ""
 
 echo "5. File Structure:"
 ls -la web_interface/ | head -10
-ls -la plugins/ | head -10
+ls -la plugin-repos/ | head -10
 echo ""
 
 echo "6. Python Imports:"
@@ -954,12 +963,11 @@ sudo systemctl restart ledmatrix-web
 # Reinstall WiFi monitor
 sudo ./scripts/install/install_wifi_monitor.sh
 
-# Recreate service files from templates
-sudo cp templates/ledmatrix.service /etc/systemd/system/
-sudo cp templates/ledmatrix-web.service /etc/systemd/system/
+# Recreate service files (substitutes __PROJECT_ROOT_DIR__ in systemd/ units)
+sudo ./scripts/install/install_service.sh
+sudo ./scripts/install/install_web_service.sh
 
-# Reload and restart
-sudo systemctl daemon-reload
+# Restart
 sudo systemctl restart ledmatrix ledmatrix-web
 ```
 

docs/WEB_INTERFACE_GUIDE.md

@@ -39,12 +39,18 @@ present:
 - **WiFi** — Network selection and AP-mode setup
 - **Schedule** — Power and dim schedules
 - **Display** — Matrix hardware configuration (rows, cols, hardware
-  mapping, GPIO slowdown, brightness, PWM)
+  mapping, GPIO slowdown, brightness, PWM) and Vegas Scroll Mode
+  settings
+- **Rotation** — drag-and-drop **Rotation Order** list and per-plugin
+  **Screen Durations**
 - **Config Editor** — Raw `config.json` editor with validation
+- **Backup & Restore** — back up and restore your configuration
 - **Fonts** — Upload and manage fonts
 - **Logs** — Real-time log streaming
 - **Cache** — Cached data inspection and cleanup
 - **Operation History** — Recent service operations
+- **Tools** — system diagnostics, git & updates, Python dependencies,
+  maintenance, power supply, network radio, services, and plugin health
 
 A second nav row holds plugin tabs:
 
@@ -89,7 +95,37 @@ Configure basic system settings:
   plugins
 - **Plugin System Settings** — including the `plugins_directory` (default
   `plugin-repos/`) used by the plugin loader
-- **Autostart** options for the display service
+- **Web Display Autostart** — whether the web interface service starts
+  with the system (`web_display_autostart`)
+- **Automatic updates** — once a week, update LEDMatrix and every installed
+  plugin with a newer version. Off by default. Runs 2–5 AM local time when
+  possible, otherwise within a day of being due. The last result and next
+  check are shown under the toggle, and anything other than success raises a
+  banner on **Overview**.
+  - *Checks first:* the code update is skipped, with the reason shown, if
+    tracked files were edited locally (permission-only changes and edits under
+    `plugins/` or `plugin-repos/` don't count; the pull carries those across
+    and puts them back), the checkout has local commits, a
+    rebase/merge is in progress, the branch has no upstream, less than 300 MB
+    is free, or the newest version already failed once. A failed fetch is
+    retried the next day.
+  - *Health check and rollback:* after pulling, `ledmatrix-update-verify.service`
+    restarts the services and checks that the web interface responds and the
+    display (if it was running) stays up. If not — or if the new dependencies
+    failed to install — it resets to the previous commit, reinstalls the
+    previous dependencies and restarts again. A running display is restarted;
+    a stopped one stays stopped.
+  - *Plugins* update through the Plugin Store, which refuses versions that need
+    a newer LEDMatrix and restores the old copy when an install fails. When the
+    code changed, plugins wait until it passes its health check. Plugins are
+    not health-checked after updating.
+  - *Setup needs no SSH.* Turning the toggle on restarts the display service,
+    which installs the health check (`ledmatrix-update-verify.path` and
+    `.service`); the General tab shows when it is ready, or why setup failed.
+    Until then only plugins update. New installs set it up during
+    installation and can switch updates on with
+    `first_time_install.sh --enable-auto-update` (or `LEDMATRIX_AUTO_UPDATE=1`,
+    which `one-shot-install.sh` passes through), or at the installer's prompt.
 
 Click **Save** to write changes to `config/config.json`. Most changes
 require a display service restart from **Overview**.
@@ -99,19 +135,37 @@ require a display service restart from **Overview**.
 Configure your LED matrix hardware:
 
 **Matrix configuration:**
-- `rows` — LED rows (typically 32 or 64)
-- `cols` — LED columns (typically 64 or 96)
+- `rows` — LED rows per panel (typically 32 or 64; even, at least 8 — the
+  current rgbmatrix library rejects more than 64)
+- `cols` — LED columns per panel (typically 64 or 96; at least 16)
 - `chain_length` — number of horizontally chained panels
-- `parallel` — number of parallel chains
+- `parallel` — number of parallel chains (1–3)
 - `hardware_mapping` — `adafruit-hat-pwm` (with PWM jumper mod),
-  `adafruit-hat` (without), `regular`, or `regular-pi1`
-- `gpio_slowdown` — must match your Pi model (3 for Pi 3, 4 for Pi 4, etc.)
-- `brightness` — 0–100%
+  `adafruit-hat` (without), `regular` (direct wiring, and the Adafruit Triple
+  LED Matrix Bonnet), or `regular-pi1`
+- `gpio_slowdown` — depends on your Pi and panel (roughly 1–3 on a Pi 3,
+  2–4 on a Pi 4); raise it if rows jump or the image is garbage
+- `brightness` — 1–100%
 - `pwm_bits`, `pwm_lsb_nanoseconds`, `pwm_dither_bits` — PWM tuning
 - Dynamic Duration — global cap for plugins that extend their display
   time based on content
 
-Changes require **Restart Display Service** from the Overview tab.
+The collapsed **Advanced Hardware & Display Options** section holds
+multiplexing, panel type, row address type, scan mode, PWM tuning, the
+refresh-rate cap and hardware pulsing. Every field has a help tip, and the
+README's Display Settings section describes each one with its allowed range.
+
+**Vegas Scroll Mode:** the Display tab also has a full Vegas Scroll
+Mode section — enable toggle, scroll speed, separator width, dynamic
+duration, and related settings — so you can configure Vegas mode
+entirely from the web UI without hand-editing JSON. See
+[ADVANCED_FEATURES.md](ADVANCED_FEATURES.md) for what the options do.
+
+Brightness and the Vegas Scroll settings apply to the running display
+within a few seconds. Matrix hardware settings (rows, columns, chain length,
+mapping, GPIO slowdown, PWM and refresh settings) are only read when the
+display starts, so those need **Restart Display Service** from the Overview
+tab.
 
 ### Plugin Manager Tab
 
@@ -159,10 +213,11 @@ Manage fonts for your display:
 - See font previews
 - Check font sizes and styles
 
-**Plugin Font Overrides:**
-- Set custom fonts for specific plugins
-- Override default font choices
-- Preview font changes
+**Font Preview:**
+- Render sample text in any TTF/OTF font at a chosen size
+
+Fonts used by a plugin are chosen in that plugin's own settings tab; the
+Fonts tab has no per-element override editor.
 
 **Delete Fonts:**
 - Remove unused fonts
@@ -183,9 +238,11 @@ View real-time system logs:
 - Filter by plugin or component
 
 **Actions:**
+- **Refresh**: Reload the log view
 - **Clear**: Clear the current view
 - **Download**: Download logs for offline analysis
-- **Pause**: Pause auto-scrolling
+- **Auto-scroll** checkbox: toggle automatic scrolling to the latest
+  entries
 
 ---
 
@@ -194,17 +251,17 @@ View real-time system logs:
 ### Changing Display Brightness
 
 1. Open the **Display** tab
-2. Adjust the **Brightness** slider (0–100)
-3. Click **Save**
-4. Click **Restart Display Service** on the **Overview** tab
+2. Adjust the **Brightness** slider (1–100)
+3. Click **Save**. The panel picks up the new brightness within a few
+   seconds; no restart is needed
 
 ### Installing a New Plugin
 
 1. Open the **Plugin Manager** tab
 2. Scroll to the **Plugin Store** section and browse or search
 3. Click **Install** next to the plugin
-4. Toggle the plugin on in **Installed Plugins**
-5. Click **Restart Display Service** on **Overview**
+4. Toggle the plugin on in **Installed Plugins**. The running display
+   loads it within a few seconds; no restart is needed
 
 ### Configuring a Plugin
 
@@ -248,7 +305,8 @@ The web interface uses Server-Sent Events (SSE) for real-time updates:
 **Performance:**
 - Minimal bandwidth usage
 - Server-side rendering for fast load times
-- Progressive enhancement - works without JavaScript
+- The UI is built on Alpine.js and HTMX, so JavaScript must be enabled
+  in the browser
 
 ---
 
@@ -267,17 +325,6 @@ The interface is fully responsive and works on mobile devices:
 
 ---
 
-## Keyboard Shortcuts
-
-Use keyboard shortcuts for faster navigation:
-
-- **Tab**: Navigate between form fields
-- **Enter**: Submit forms
-- **Esc**: Close modals
-- **Ctrl+F**: Search in logs
-
----
-
 ## API Access
 
 The web interface is built on a REST API that you can access programmatically:
@@ -287,9 +334,8 @@ The web interface is built on a REST API that you can access programmatically:
 http://your-pi-ip:5000/api/v3
 ```
 
-The API blueprint mounts at `/api/v3` (see
-`web_interface/app.py:144`). All endpoints below are relative to that
-base.
+The API blueprint (`web_interface/blueprints/api_v3/`) is registered at
+`/api/v3` in `web_interface/app.py`.
 
 **Common Endpoints:**
 - `GET /api/v3/config/main` — Get main configuration
@@ -387,10 +433,10 @@ The web interface uses modern web technologies:
 
 ### File Locations
 
-**Configuration:**
-- Main config: `/config/config.json`
-- Secrets: `/config/config_secrets.json`
-- WiFi config: `/config/wifi_config.json`
+**Configuration** (relative to the LEDMatrix folder, e.g. `~/LEDMatrix`):
+- Main config: `config/config.json`
+- Secrets: `config/config_secrets.json`
+- WiFi config: `config/wifi_config.json`
 
 **Logs:**
 - Display service: `sudo journalctl -u ledmatrix -f`
@@ -403,7 +449,7 @@ The web interface uses modern web technologies:
   the Plugin Store install flow and the schema loader additionally
   probe `plugins/` so dev symlinks created by
   `scripts/dev/dev_plugin_setup.sh` keep working.
-- Plugin config: `/config/config.json` (per-plugin sections)
+- Plugin config: `config/config.json` (per-plugin sections)
 
 ---
 

docs/WIFI_NETWORK_SETUP.md

@@ -21,9 +21,8 @@ The LEDMatrix WiFi system provides automatic network configuration with intellig
 
 **If not connected to WiFi:**
 1. Wait 90 seconds after boot (AP mode activation grace period)
-2. Connect to WiFi network **LEDMatrix-Setup** (default password
-   `ledmatrix123` — change it in `config/wifi_config.json` if you want
-   an open network or a different password)
+2. Connect to WiFi network **LEDMatrix-Setup** (an open network: no
+   password)
 3. Open browser to: `http://192.168.4.1:5000`
 4. Open the **WiFi** tab
 5. Scan, select your network, and connect
@@ -78,16 +77,8 @@ WiFi settings are stored in `config/wifi_config.json`:
 ```json
 {
   "ap_ssid": "LEDMatrix-Setup",
-  "ap_password": "ledmatrix123",
   "ap_channel": 7,
-  "auto_enable_ap_mode": true,
-  "saved_networks": [
-    {
-      "ssid": "YourNetwork",
-      "password": "your-password",
-      "saved_at": 1234567890.0
-    }
-  ]
+  "auto_enable_ap_mode": true
 }
 ```
 
@@ -96,10 +87,8 @@ WiFi settings are stored in `config/wifi_config.json`:
 | Setting | Default | Description |
 |---------|---------|-------------|
 | `ap_ssid` | `LEDMatrix-Setup` | Network name broadcast in AP mode |
-| `ap_password` | `ledmatrix123` | AP password. Set to `""` to make the network open (no password). |
 | `ap_channel` | `7` | WiFi channel (1, 6, or 11 are non-overlapping) |
 | `auto_enable_ap_mode` | `true` | Automatically enable AP mode when both WiFi and Ethernet are disconnected |
-| `saved_networks` | `[]` | Array of saved WiFi credentials |
 
 ### Auto-Enable AP Mode Behavior
 
@@ -214,8 +203,10 @@ The system checks connections in this order:
 ### AP Mode Settings
 
 - **SSID**: `LEDMatrix-Setup` (configurable via `ap_ssid`)
-- **Network**: WPA2, default password `ledmatrix123` (configurable via
-  `ap_password` — set to `""` for an open network)
+- **Network**: open (no password). Both AP paths create an open network
+  (`_create_hostapd_config()` and `_enable_ap_mode_nmcli_hotspot()` in
+  `src/wifi_manager.py`); an `ap_password` key in `wifi_config.json` is not
+  read
 - **IP Address**: 192.168.4.1
 - **DHCP Range**: 192.168.4.2 – 192.168.4.20
 - **Channel**: 7 (configurable via `ap_channel`)
@@ -233,16 +224,12 @@ When AP mode is active:
 
 ### Security Recommendations
 
-**1. Change AP Password (Optional):**
-```json
-{
-  "ap_password": "your-strong-password"
-}
-```
-
-**Note:** The default password is `ledmatrix123` for easy initial
-setup. Change it for any deployment in a public area, or set
-`ap_password` to `""` if you specifically want an open network.
+**1. Keep AP mode short-lived:**
+The setup network is open, so anyone nearby can join it and reach the web
+interface while it is up. AP mode only comes up when WiFi and Ethernet are
+both disconnected (after the 90 second grace period) and goes down again once
+the Pi is connected; in a public area, consider setting
+`auto_enable_ap_mode` to `false` and enabling AP mode by hand when needed.
 
 **2. Use Non-Overlapping WiFi Channels:**
 - Channels 1, 6, 11 are non-overlapping (2.4GHz)
@@ -256,21 +243,11 @@ sudo chmod 600 config/wifi_config.json
 
 ### Network Configuration Tips
 
-**Save Multiple Networks:**
-```json
-{
-  "saved_networks": [
-    {
-      "ssid": "Home-Network",
-      "password": "home-password"
-    },
-    {
-      "ssid": "Office-Network",
-      "password": "office-password"
-    }
-  ]
-}
-```
+**Multiple Networks:**
+
+NetworkManager remembers every network you connect to and rejoins whichever is
+in range; list them with `nmcli connection show`. LEDMatrix itself does not
+store WiFi passwords.
 
 **Adjust Check Interval:**
 

docs/archive/AP_MODE_MANUAL_ENABLE.md

@@ -1,159 +0,0 @@
-# AP Mode Manual Enable Configuration
-
-## Overview
-
-By default, Access Point (AP) mode is **not automatically enabled** after installation. AP mode must be manually enabled through the web interface when needed.
-
-## Default Behavior
-
-- **Auto-enable AP mode**: `false` (disabled by default)
-- AP mode will **not** automatically activate when WiFi or Ethernet disconnects
-- AP mode can only be enabled manually through the web interface
-
-## Why Manual Enable?
-
-This prevents:
-- AP mode from activating unexpectedly after installation
-- Network conflicts when Ethernet is connected
-- SSH becoming unavailable due to automatic AP mode activation
-- Unnecessary AP mode activation on systems with stable network connections
-
-## Enabling AP Mode
-
-### Via Web Interface
-
-1. Navigate to the **WiFi** tab in the web interface
-2. Click the **"Enable AP Mode"** button
-3. AP mode will activate if:
-   - WiFi is not connected AND
-   - Ethernet is not connected
-
-### Via API
-
-```bash
-# Enable AP mode
-curl -X POST http://localhost:5001/api/v3/wifi/ap/enable
-
-# Disable AP mode
-curl -X POST http://localhost:5001/api/v3/wifi/ap/disable
-```
-
-## Enabling Auto-Enable (Optional)
-
-If you want AP mode to automatically enable when WiFi/Ethernet disconnect:
-
-### Via Web Interface
-
-1. Navigate to the **WiFi** tab
-2. Look for the **"Auto-enable AP Mode"** toggle or setting
-3. Enable the toggle
-
-### Via Configuration File
-
-Edit `config/wifi_config.json`:
-
-```json
-{
-  "auto_enable_ap_mode": true,
-  ...
-}
-```
-
-Then restart the WiFi monitor service:
-
-```bash
-sudo systemctl restart ledmatrix-wifi-monitor
-```
-
-### Via API
-
-```bash
-# Get current setting
-curl http://localhost:5001/api/v3/wifi/ap/auto-enable
-
-# Set auto-enable to true
-curl -X POST http://localhost:5001/api/v3/wifi/ap/auto-enable \
-  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-  -d '{"auto_enable_ap_mode": true}'
-```
-
-## Behavior Summary
-
-| Auto-Enable Setting | WiFi Status | Ethernet Status | AP Mode Behavior |
-|---------------------|-------------|-----------------|------------------|
-| `false` (default) | Any | Any | Manual enable only |
-| `true` | Connected | Any | Disabled |
-| `true` | Disconnected | Connected | Disabled |
-| `true` | Disconnected | Disconnected | **Auto-enabled** |
-
-## When Auto-Enable is Disabled (Default)
-
-- AP mode **never** activates automatically
-- Must be manually enabled via web UI or API
-- Once enabled, it will automatically disable when WiFi or Ethernet connects
-- Useful for systems with stable network connections (e.g., Ethernet)
-
-## When Auto-Enable is Enabled
-
-- AP mode automatically enables when both WiFi and Ethernet disconnect
-- AP mode automatically disables when WiFi or Ethernet connects
-- Useful for portable devices that may lose network connectivity
-
-## Troubleshooting
-
-### AP Mode Not Enabling
-
-1. **Check if WiFi or Ethernet is connected**:
-   ```bash
-   nmcli device status
-   ```
-
-2. **Check auto-enable setting**:
-   ```bash
-   python3 -c "
-   from src.wifi_manager import WiFiManager
-   wm = WiFiManager()
-   print('Auto-enable:', wm.config.get('auto_enable_ap_mode', False))
-   "
-   ```
-
-3. **Manually enable AP mode**:
-   - Use web interface: WiFi tab → Enable AP Mode button
-   - Or via API: `POST /api/v3/wifi/ap/enable`
-
-### AP Mode Enabling Unexpectedly
-
-1. **Check auto-enable setting**:
-   ```bash
-   cat config/wifi_config.json | grep auto_enable_ap_mode
-   ```
-
-2. **Disable auto-enable**:
-   ```bash
-   # Edit config file
-   nano config/wifi_config.json
-   # Set "auto_enable_ap_mode": false
-   
-   # Restart service
-   sudo systemctl restart ledmatrix-wifi-monitor
-   ```
-
-3. **Check service logs**:
-   ```bash
-   sudo journalctl -u ledmatrix-wifi-monitor -f
-   ```
-
-## Migration from Old Behavior
-
-If you have an existing installation that was auto-enabling AP mode:
-
-1. The default is now `false` (manual enable)
-2. Existing configs will be updated to include `auto_enable_ap_mode: false`
-3. If you want the old behavior, set `auto_enable_ap_mode: true` in `config/wifi_config.json`
-
-## Related Documentation
-
-- [WiFi Setup Guide](WIFI_SETUP.md)
-- [SSH Unavailable After Install](SSH_UNAVAILABLE_AFTER_INSTALL.md)
-- [WiFi Ethernet AP Mode Fix](WIFI_ETHERNET_AP_MODE_FIX.md)
-

docs/archive/AP_MODE_MANUAL_ENABLE_CHANGES.md

@@ -1,186 +0,0 @@
-# AP Mode Manual Enable - Implementation Summary
-
-## Changes Made
-
-### 1. Configuration Option Added
-
-Added `auto_enable_ap_mode` configuration option to `config/wifi_config.json`:
-- **Default value**: `false` (manual enable only)
-- **Purpose**: Controls whether AP mode automatically enables when WiFi/Ethernet disconnect
-- **Migration**: Existing configs automatically get this field set to `false` if missing
-
-### 2. WiFi Manager Updates (`src/wifi_manager.py`)
-
-#### Added Configuration Field
-- Default config now includes `"auto_enable_ap_mode": False`
-- Existing configs are automatically migrated to include this field
-
-#### Updated `check_and_manage_ap_mode()` Method
-- Now checks `auto_enable_ap_mode` setting before auto-enabling AP mode
-- AP mode only auto-enables if:
-  - `auto_enable_ap_mode` is `true` AND
-  - WiFi is NOT connected AND
-  - Ethernet is NOT connected
-- AP mode still auto-disables when WiFi or Ethernet connects (regardless of setting)
-- Manual AP mode (via web UI) works regardless of this setting
-
-### 3. Web Interface API Updates (`web_interface/blueprints/api_v3.py`)
-
-#### Updated `/wifi/status` Endpoint
-- Now returns `auto_enable_ap_mode` setting in response
-
-#### Added `/wifi/ap/auto-enable` GET Endpoint
-- Returns current `auto_enable_ap_mode` setting
-
-#### Added `/wifi/ap/auto-enable` POST Endpoint
-- Allows setting `auto_enable_ap_mode` via API
-- Accepts JSON: `{"auto_enable_ap_mode": true/false}`
-
-### 4. Documentation Updates
-
-- Updated `docs/WIFI_SETUP.md` with new configuration option
-- Created `docs/AP_MODE_MANUAL_ENABLE.md` with comprehensive guide
-- Created `docs/AP_MODE_MANUAL_ENABLE_CHANGES.md` (this file)
-
-## Behavior Changes
-
-### Before
-- AP mode automatically enabled when WiFi disconnected (if Ethernet also disconnected)
-- Could cause SSH to become unavailable after installation
-- No way to disable auto-enable behavior
-
-### After
-- AP mode **does not** automatically enable by default
-- Must be manually enabled through web UI or API
-- Can optionally enable auto-enable via configuration
-- Prevents unexpected AP mode activation
-
-## Migration
-
-### Existing Installations
-
-1. **Automatic Migration**:
-   - When WiFi manager loads config, it automatically adds `auto_enable_ap_mode: false` if missing
-   - No manual intervention required
-
-2. **To Enable Auto-Enable** (if desired):
-   ```bash
-   # Edit config file
-   nano config/wifi_config.json
-   # Set "auto_enable_ap_mode": true
-   
-   # Restart WiFi monitor service
-   sudo systemctl restart ledmatrix-wifi-monitor
-   ```
-
-### New Installations
-
-- Default behavior is manual enable only
-- No changes needed
-
-## Testing
-
-### Verify Default Behavior
-
-```bash
-# Check config
-python3 -c "
-from src.wifi_manager import WiFiManager
-wm = WiFiManager()
-print('Auto-enable:', wm.config.get('auto_enable_ap_mode', False))
-"
-# Should output: Auto-enable: False
-```
-
-### Test Manual Enable
-
-1. Disconnect WiFi and Ethernet
-2. AP mode should **not** automatically enable
-3. Enable via web UI: WiFi tab → Enable AP Mode
-4. AP mode should activate
-5. Connect WiFi or Ethernet
-6. AP mode should automatically disable
-
-### Test Auto-Enable (if enabled)
-
-1. Set `auto_enable_ap_mode: true` in config
-2. Restart WiFi monitor service
-3. Disconnect WiFi and Ethernet
-4. AP mode should automatically enable within 30 seconds
-5. Connect WiFi or Ethernet
-6. AP mode should automatically disable
-
-## API Usage Examples
-
-### Get Auto-Enable Setting
-```bash
-curl http://localhost:5001/api/v3/wifi/ap/auto-enable
-```
-
-### Set Auto-Enable to True
-```bash
-curl -X POST http://localhost:5001/api/v3/wifi/ap/auto-enable \
-  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-  -d '{"auto_enable_ap_mode": true}'
-```
-
-### Set Auto-Enable to False
-```bash
-curl -X POST http://localhost:5001/api/v3/wifi/ap/auto-enable \
-  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-  -d '{"auto_enable_ap_mode": false}'
-```
-
-### Get WiFi Status (includes auto-enable)
-```bash
-curl http://localhost:5001/api/v3/wifi/status
-```
-
-## Files Modified
-
-1. `src/wifi_manager.py`
-   - Added `auto_enable_ap_mode` to default config
-   - Added migration logic for existing configs
-   - Updated `check_and_manage_ap_mode()` to respect setting
-
-2. `web_interface/blueprints/api_v3.py`
-   - Updated `/wifi/status` to include auto-enable setting
-   - Added `/wifi/ap/auto-enable` GET endpoint
-   - Added `/wifi/ap/auto-enable` POST endpoint
-
-3. `docs/WIFI_SETUP.md`
-   - Updated documentation with new configuration option
-   - Updated WiFi monitor daemon description
-
-4. `docs/AP_MODE_MANUAL_ENABLE.md` (new)
-   - Comprehensive guide for manual enable feature
-
-## Benefits
-
-1. **Prevents SSH Loss**: AP mode won't activate automatically after installation
-2. **User Control**: Users can choose whether to enable auto-enable
-3. **Ethernet-Friendly**: Works well with hardwired connections
-4. **Backward Compatible**: Existing installations automatically migrate
-5. **Flexible**: Can still enable auto-enable if desired
-
-## Deployment
-
-### On Existing Installations
-
-1. **No action required** - automatic migration on next WiFi manager initialization
-2. **Restart WiFi monitor** (optional, to apply immediately):
-   ```bash
-   sudo systemctl restart ledmatrix-wifi-monitor
-   ```
-
-### On New Installations
-
-- Default behavior is already manual enable
-- No additional configuration needed
-
-## Related Issues Fixed
-
-- SSH becoming unavailable after installation
-- AP mode activating when Ethernet is connected
-- Unexpected AP mode activation on stable network connections
-

docs/archive/BACKGROUND_SERVICE_README.md

@@ -1,208 +0,0 @@
-# Background Data Service for LEDMatrix
-
-## Overview
-
-The Background Data Service is a new feature that implements background threading for season data fetching to prevent blocking the main display loop. This significantly improves responsiveness and user experience during data fetching operations.
-
-## Key Benefits
-
-- **Non-blocking**: Season data fetching no longer blocks the main display loop
-- **Immediate Response**: Returns cached or partial data immediately while fetching complete data in background
-- **Configurable**: Can be enabled/disabled per sport with customizable settings
-- **Thread-safe**: Uses proper synchronization for concurrent access
-- **Retry Logic**: Automatic retry with exponential backoff for failed requests
-- **Progress Tracking**: Comprehensive logging and statistics
-
-## Architecture
-
-### Core Components
-
-1. **BackgroundDataService**: Main service class managing background threads
-2. **FetchRequest**: Represents individual fetch operations
-3. **FetchResult**: Contains results of fetch operations
-4. **Sport Managers**: Updated to use background service
-
-### How It Works
-
-1. **Cache Check**: First checks for cached data and returns immediately if available
-2. **Background Fetch**: If no cache, starts background thread to fetch complete season data
-3. **Partial Data**: Returns immediate partial data (current/recent games) for quick display
-4. **Completion**: Background fetch completes and caches full dataset
-5. **Future Requests**: Subsequent requests use cached data for instant response
-
-## Configuration
-
-### NFL Configuration Example
-
-```json
-{
-    "nfl_scoreboard": {
-        "enabled": true,
-        "background_service": {
-            "enabled": true,
-            "max_workers": 3,
-            "request_timeout": 30,
-            "max_retries": 3,
-            "priority": 2
-        }
-    }
-}
-```
-
-### Configuration Options
-
-- **enabled**: Enable/disable background service (default: true)
-- **max_workers**: Maximum number of background threads (default: 3)
-- **request_timeout**: HTTP request timeout in seconds (default: 30)
-- **max_retries**: Maximum retry attempts for failed requests (default: 3)
-- **priority**: Request priority (higher = more important, default: 2)
-
-## Implementation Status
-
-### Phase 1: Background Season Data Fetching ✅ COMPLETED
-
-- [x] Created BackgroundDataService class
-- [x] Implemented thread-safe data caching
-- [x] Added retry logic with exponential backoff
-- [x] Modified NFL manager to use background service
-- [x] Added configuration support
-- [x] Created test script
-
-### Phase 2: Rollout to Other Sports (Next Steps)
-
-- [ ] Apply to NCAAFB manager
-- [ ] Apply to NBA manager
-- [ ] Apply to NHL manager
-- [ ] Apply to MLB manager
-- [ ] Apply to other sport managers
-
-## Testing
-
-### Test Script
-
-Run the test script to verify background service functionality:
-
-```bash
-python test_background_service.py
-```
-
-### Test Scenarios
-
-1. **Cache Hit**: Verify immediate return of cached data
-2. **Background Fetch**: Verify non-blocking background data fetching
-3. **Partial Data**: Verify immediate return of partial data during background fetch
-4. **Completion**: Verify background fetch completion and caching
-5. **Subsequent Requests**: Verify cache usage for subsequent requests
-6. **Service Disabled**: Verify fallback to synchronous fetching
-
-### Expected Results
-
-- Initial fetch should return partial data immediately (< 1 second)
-- Background fetch should complete within 10-30 seconds
-- Subsequent fetches should use cache (< 0.1 seconds)
-- No blocking of main display loop
-
-## Performance Impact
-
-### Before Background Service
-- Season data fetch: 10-30 seconds (blocking)
-- Display loop: Frozen during fetch
-- User experience: Poor responsiveness
-
-### After Background Service
-- Initial response: < 1 second (partial data)
-- Background fetch: 10-30 seconds (non-blocking)
-- Display loop: Continues normally
-- User experience: Excellent responsiveness
-
-## Monitoring
-
-### Logs
-
-The service provides comprehensive logging:
-
-```
-[NFL] Background service enabled with 3 workers
-[NFL] Starting background fetch for 2024 season schedule...
-[NFL] Using 15 immediate events while background fetch completes
-[NFL] Background fetch completed for 2024: 256 events
-```
-
-### Statistics
-
-Access service statistics:
-
-```python
-stats = background_service.get_statistics()
-print(f"Total requests: {stats['total_requests']}")
-print(f"Cache hits: {stats['cached_hits']}")
-print(f"Average fetch time: {stats['average_fetch_time']:.2f}s")
-```
-
-## Error Handling
-
-### Automatic Retry
-- Failed requests are automatically retried with exponential backoff
-- Maximum retry attempts are configurable
-- Failed requests are logged with error details
-
-### Fallback Behavior
-- If background service is disabled, falls back to synchronous fetching
-- If background fetch fails, returns partial data if available
-- Graceful degradation ensures system continues to function
-
-## Future Enhancements
-
-### Phase 2 Features
-- Apply to all sport managers
-- Priority-based request queuing
-- Dynamic worker scaling
-- Request batching for efficiency
-
-### Phase 3 Features
-- Real-time data streaming
-- WebSocket support for live updates
-- Advanced caching strategies
-- Performance analytics dashboard
-
-## Troubleshooting
-
-### Common Issues
-
-1. **Background service not starting**
-   - Check configuration: `background_service.enabled = true`
-   - Verify cache manager is properly initialized
-   - Check logs for initialization errors
-
-2. **Slow background fetches**
-   - Increase `request_timeout` in configuration
-   - Check network connectivity
-   - Monitor API rate limits
-
-3. **Memory usage**
-   - Background service automatically cleans up old requests
-   - Adjust `max_workers` if needed
-   - Monitor cache size
-
-### Debug Mode
-
-Enable debug logging for detailed information:
-
-```python
-logging.getLogger('src.background_data_service').setLevel(logging.DEBUG)
-```
-
-## Contributing
-
-When adding background service support to new sport managers:
-
-1. Import the background service
-2. Initialize in `__init__` method
-3. Update data fetching method to use background service
-4. Add configuration options
-5. Test thoroughly
-6. Update documentation
-
-## License
-
-This feature is part of the LEDMatrix project and follows the same license terms.

docs/archive/BROWSER_ERRORS_EXPLANATION.md

@@ -1,136 +0,0 @@
-# Browser Console Errors - Explanation
-
-## Summary
-
-**You don't need to worry about these errors.** They are harmless and don't affect functionality. We've improved error suppression to hide them from the console.
-
-## Error Types
-
-### 1. Permissions-Policy Header Warnings
-
-**Examples:**
-```text
-Error with Permissions-Policy header: Unrecognized feature: 'browsing-topics'.
-Error with Permissions-Policy header: Unrecognized feature: 'run-ad-auction'.
-Error with Permissions-Policy header: Origin trial controlled feature not enabled: 'join-ad-interest-group'.
-```
-
-**What they are:**
-- Browser warnings about experimental/advertising features in HTTP headers
-- These features are not used by our application
-- The browser is just informing you that it doesn't recognize these policy features
-
-**Why they appear:**
-- Some browsers or extensions set these headers
-- They're informational warnings, not actual errors
-- They don't affect functionality at all
-
-**Status:** ✅ **Harmless** - Now suppressed in console
-
-### 2. HTMX insertBefore Errors
-
-**Example:**
-```javascript
-TypeError: Cannot read properties of null (reading 'insertBefore')
-    at At (htmx.org@1.9.10:1:22924)
-```
-
-**What they are:**
-- HTMX library timing/race condition issues
-- Occurs when HTMX tries to swap content but the target element is temporarily null
-- Usually happens during rapid content updates or when elements are being removed/added
-
-**Why they appear:**
-- HTMX dynamically swaps HTML content
-- Sometimes the target element is removed or not yet in the DOM when HTMX tries to insert
-- This is a known issue with HTMX in certain scenarios
-
-**Impact:**
-- ✅ **No functional impact** - HTMX handles these gracefully
-- ✅ **Content still loads correctly** - The swap just fails silently and retries
-- ✅ **User experience unaffected** - Users don't see any issues
-
-**Status:** ✅ **Harmless** - Now suppressed in console
-
-## What We've Done
-
-### Error Suppression Improvements
-
-1. **Enhanced HTMX Error Suppression:**
-   - More comprehensive detection of HTMX-related errors
-   - Catches `insertBefore` errors from HTMX regardless of format
-   - Suppresses timing/race condition errors
-
-2. **Permissions-Policy Warning Suppression:**
-   - Suppresses all Permissions-Policy header warnings
-   - Includes specific feature warnings (browsing-topics, run-ad-auction, etc.)
-   - Prevents console noise from harmless browser warnings
-
-3. **HTMX Validation:**
-   - Added `htmx:beforeSwap` validation to prevent some errors
-   - Checks if target element exists before swapping
-   - Reduces but doesn't eliminate all timing issues
-
-## When to Worry
-
-You should only be concerned about errors if:
-
-1. **Functionality is broken** - If buttons don't work, forms don't submit, or content doesn't load
-2. **Errors are from your code** - Errors in `plugins.html`, `base.html`, or other application files
-3. **Network errors** - Failed API calls or connection issues
-4. **User-visible issues** - Users report problems
-
-## Current Status
-
-✅ **All harmless errors are now suppressed**
-✅ **HTMX errors are caught and handled gracefully**
-✅ **Permissions-Policy warnings are hidden**
-✅ **Application functionality is unaffected**
-
-## Technical Details
-
-### HTMX insertBefore Errors
-
-**Root Cause:**
-- HTMX uses `insertBefore` to swap content into the DOM
-- Sometimes the parent node is null when HTMX tries to insert
-- This happens due to:
-  - Race conditions during rapid updates
-  - Elements being removed before swap completes
-  - Dynamic content loading timing issues
-
-**Why It's Safe:**
-- HTMX has built-in error handling
-- Failed swaps don't break the application
-- Content still loads via other mechanisms
-- No data loss or corruption
-
-### Permissions-Policy Warnings
-
-**Root Cause:**
-- Modern browsers support Permissions-Policy HTTP headers
-- Some features are experimental or not widely supported
-- Browsers warn when they encounter unrecognized features
-
-**Why It's Safe:**
-- We don't use these features
-- The warnings are informational only
-- No security or functionality impact
-
-## Monitoring
-
-If you want to see actual errors (not suppressed ones), you can:
-
-1. **Temporarily disable suppression:**
-   - Comment out the error suppression code in `base.html`
-   - Only do this for debugging
-
-2. **Check browser DevTools:**
-   - Look for errors in the Network tab (actual failures)
-   - Check Console for non-HTMX errors
-   - Monitor user reports for functionality issues
-
-## Conclusion
-
-**These errors are completely harmless and can be safely ignored.** They're just noise in the console that doesn't affect the application's functionality. We've improved the error suppression to hide them so you can focus on actual issues if they arise.
-

docs/archive/CAPTIVE_PORTAL_TESTING.md

@@ -1,445 +0,0 @@
-# Captive Portal Testing Guide
-
-This guide explains how to test the captive portal WiFi setup functionality.
-
-## Prerequisites
-
-1. **Raspberry Pi with LEDMatrix installed**
-2. **WiFi adapter** (built-in or USB)
-3. **Test devices** (smartphone, tablet, or laptop)
-4. **Access to Pi** (SSH or direct access)
-
-## Important: Before Testing
-
-**⚠️ Make sure you have a way to reconnect!**
-
-Before starting testing, ensure you have:
-- **Ethernet cable** (if available) as backup connection
-- **SSH access** via another method (Ethernet, direct connection)
-- **Physical access** to Pi (keyboard/monitor) as last resort
-- **Your WiFi credentials** saved/noted down
-
-**If testing fails, see:** [Reconnecting After Testing](RECONNECT_AFTER_CAPTIVE_PORTAL_TESTING.md)
-
-**Quick recovery script:** `sudo ./scripts/emergency_reconnect.sh`
-
-## Pre-Testing Setup
-
-### 0. Verify WiFi is Ready (IMPORTANT!)
-
-**⚠️ CRITICAL: Run this BEFORE disconnecting Ethernet!**
-
-```bash
-sudo ./scripts/verify_wifi_before_testing.sh
-```
-
-This script will verify:
-- WiFi interface exists and is enabled
-- WiFi can scan for networks
-- You have saved WiFi connections (for reconnecting)
-- Required services are ready
-- Current network status
-
-**Do NOT disconnect Ethernet until this script passes all checks!**
-
-### 1. Ensure WiFi Monitor Service is Running
-
-```bash
-sudo systemctl status ledmatrix-wifi-monitor
-```
-
-If not running:
-```bash
-sudo systemctl start ledmatrix-wifi-monitor
-sudo systemctl enable ledmatrix-wifi-monitor
-```
-
-### 2. Disconnect Pi from WiFi/Ethernet
-
-**⚠️ Only do this AFTER running the verification script!**
-
-To test captive portal, the Pi should NOT be connected to any network:
-
-```bash
-# First, verify WiFi is ready (see step 0 above)
-sudo ./scripts/verify_wifi_before_testing.sh
-
-# Check current network status
-nmcli device status
-
-# Disconnect WiFi (if connected)
-sudo nmcli device disconnect wlan0
-
-# Disconnect Ethernet (if connected)
-# Option 1: Unplug Ethernet cable (safest)
-# Option 2: Via command (if you're sure WiFi works):
-sudo nmcli device disconnect eth0
-
-# Verify disconnection
-nmcli device status
-# Both should show "disconnected" or "unavailable"
-```
-
-### 3. Enable AP Mode
-
-You can enable AP mode manually or wait for it to auto-enable (if `auto_enable_ap_mode` is true):
-
-**Manual enable via web interface:**
-- Access web interface at `http://<pi-ip>:5000` (if still accessible)
-- Go to WiFi tab
-- Click "Enable AP Mode"
-
-**Manual enable via command line:**
-```bash
-python3 -c "from src.wifi_manager import WiFiManager; wm = WiFiManager(); print(wm.enable_ap_mode())"
-```
-
-**Or via API:**
-```bash
-curl -X POST http://localhost:5000/api/v3/wifi/ap/enable
-```
-
-### 4. Verify AP Mode is Active
-
-```bash
-# Check hostapd service
-sudo systemctl status hostapd
-
-# Check dnsmasq service
-sudo systemctl status dnsmasq
-
-# Check if wlan0 is in AP mode
-iwconfig wlan0
-# Should show "Mode:Master"
-
-# Check IP address
-ip addr show wlan0
-# Should show 192.168.4.1
-```
-
-### 5. Verify DNSMASQ Configuration
-
-```bash
-# Check dnsmasq config
-sudo cat /etc/dnsmasq.conf
-
-# Should contain:
-# - address=/#/192.168.4.1
-# - address=/captive.apple.com/192.168.4.1
-# - address=/connectivitycheck.gstatic.com/192.168.4.1
-# - address=/www.msftconnecttest.com/192.168.4.1
-# - address=/detectportal.firefox.com/192.168.4.1
-```
-
-### 6. Verify Web Interface is Running
-
-```bash
-# Check if web service is running
-sudo systemctl status ledmatrix-web
-
-# Or check if Flask app is running
-ps aux | grep "web_interface"
-```
-
-## Testing Procedures
-
-### Test 1: DNS Redirection
-
-**Purpose:** Verify that DNS queries are redirected to the Pi.
-
-**Steps:**
-1. Connect a device to "LEDMatrix-Setup" network (password: `ledmatrix123`)
-2. Try to resolve any domain name:
-   ```bash
-   # On Linux/Mac
-   nslookup google.com
-   # Should return 192.168.4.1
-   
-   # On Windows
-   nslookup google.com
-   # Should return 192.168.4.1
-   ```
-
-**Expected Result:** All DNS queries should resolve to 192.168.4.1
-
-### Test 2: HTTP Redirect (Manual Browser Test)
-
-**Purpose:** Verify that HTTP requests redirect to WiFi setup page.
-
-**Steps:**
-1. Connect device to "LEDMatrix-Setup" network
-2. Open a web browser
-3. Try to access any website:
-   - `http://google.com`
-   - `http://example.com`
-   - `http://192.168.4.1` (direct IP)
-
-**Expected Result:** All requests should redirect to `http://192.168.4.1:5000/v3` (WiFi setup interface)
-
-### Test 3: Captive Portal Detection Endpoints
-
-**Purpose:** Verify that device detection endpoints respond correctly.
-
-**Test each endpoint:**
-
-```bash
-# iOS/macOS detection
-curl http://192.168.4.1:5000/hotspot-detect.html
-# Expected: HTML response with "Success"
-
-# Android detection
-curl -I http://192.168.4.1:5000/generate_204
-# Expected: HTTP 204 No Content
-
-# Windows detection
-curl http://192.168.4.1:5000/connecttest.txt
-# Expected: "Microsoft Connect Test"
-
-# Firefox detection
-curl http://192.168.4.1:5000/success.txt
-# Expected: "success"
-```
-
-**Expected Result:** Each endpoint should return the appropriate response
-
-### Test 4: iOS Device (iPhone/iPad)
-
-**Purpose:** Test automatic captive portal detection on iOS.
-
-**Steps:**
-1. On iPhone/iPad, go to Settings > Wi-Fi
-2. Connect to "LEDMatrix-Setup" network
-3. Enter password: `ledmatrix123`
-4. Wait a few seconds
-
-**Expected Result:**
-- iOS should automatically detect the captive portal
-- A popup should appear saying "Sign in to Network" or similar
-- Tapping it should open Safari with the WiFi setup page
-- The setup page should show the captive portal banner
-
-**If it doesn't auto-open:**
-- Open Safari manually
-- Try to visit any website (e.g., apple.com)
-- Should redirect to WiFi setup page
-
-### Test 5: Android Device
-
-**Purpose:** Test automatic captive portal detection on Android.
-
-**Steps:**
-1. On Android device, go to Settings > Wi-Fi
-2. Connect to "LEDMatrix-Setup" network
-3. Enter password: `ledmatrix123`
-4. Wait a few seconds
-
-**Expected Result:**
-- Android should show a notification: "Sign in to network" or "Network sign-in required"
-- Tapping the notification should open a browser with the WiFi setup page
-- The setup page should show the captive portal banner
-
-**If notification doesn't appear:**
-- Open Chrome browser
-- Try to visit any website
-- Should redirect to WiFi setup page
-
-### Test 6: Windows Laptop
-
-**Purpose:** Test captive portal on Windows.
-
-**Steps:**
-1. Connect Windows laptop to "LEDMatrix-Setup" network
-2. Enter password: `ledmatrix123`
-3. Wait a few seconds
-
-**Expected Result:**
-- Windows may show a notification about network sign-in
-- Opening any browser and visiting any website should redirect to WiFi setup page
-- Edge/Chrome may automatically open a sign-in window
-
-**Manual test:**
-- Open any browser
-- Visit `http://www.msftconnecttest.com` or any website
-- Should redirect to WiFi setup page
-
-### Test 7: API Endpoints Still Work
-
-**Purpose:** Verify that WiFi API endpoints function normally during AP mode.
-
-**Steps:**
-1. While connected to "LEDMatrix-Setup" network
-2. Test API endpoints:
-
-```bash
-# Status endpoint
-curl http://192.168.4.1:5000/api/v3/wifi/status
-
-# Scan networks
-curl http://192.168.4.1:5000/api/v3/wifi/scan
-```
-
-**Expected Result:** API endpoints should return JSON responses normally (not redirect)
-
-### Test 8: WiFi Connection Flow
-
-**Purpose:** Test the complete flow of connecting to WiFi via captive portal.
-
-**Steps:**
-1. Connect device to "LEDMatrix-Setup" network
-2. Wait for captive portal to redirect to setup page
-3. Click "Scan" to find available networks
-4. Select a network from the list
-5. Enter WiFi password
-6. Click "Connect"
-7. Wait for connection to establish
-
-**Expected Result:**
-- Device should connect to selected WiFi network
-- AP mode should automatically disable
-- Device should now be on the new network
-- Can access Pi via new network IP address
-
-## Troubleshooting
-
-### Issue: DNS Not Redirecting
-
-**Symptoms:** DNS queries resolve to actual IPs, not 192.168.4.1
-
-**Solutions:**
-1. Check dnsmasq config:
-   ```bash
-   sudo cat /etc/dnsmasq.conf | grep address
-   ```
-2. Restart dnsmasq:
-   ```bash
-   sudo systemctl restart dnsmasq
-   ```
-3. Check dnsmasq logs:
-   ```bash
-   sudo journalctl -u dnsmasq -n 50
-   ```
-
-### Issue: HTTP Not Redirecting
-
-**Symptoms:** Browser shows actual websites instead of redirecting
-
-**Solutions:**
-1. Check if AP mode is active:
-   ```bash
-   python3 -c "from src.wifi_manager import WiFiManager; wm = WiFiManager(); print(wm._is_ap_mode_active())"
-   ```
-2. Check Flask app logs for errors
-3. Verify web interface is running on port 5000
-4. Test redirect middleware manually:
-   ```bash
-   curl -I http://192.168.4.1:5000/google.com
-   # Should return 302 redirect
-   ```
-
-### Issue: Captive Portal Not Detected by Device
-
-**Symptoms:** Device doesn't show sign-in notification/popup
-
-**Solutions:**
-1. Verify detection endpoints are accessible:
-   ```bash
-   curl http://192.168.4.1:5000/hotspot-detect.html
-   curl http://192.168.4.1:5000/generate_204
-   ```
-2. Try manually opening browser and visiting any website
-3. Some devices require specific responses - check endpoint implementations
-4. Clear device's network settings and reconnect
-
-### Issue: Infinite Redirect Loop
-
-**Symptoms:** Browser keeps redirecting in a loop
-
-**Solutions:**
-1. Check that `/v3` path is in allowed_paths list
-2. Verify redirect middleware logic in `app.py`
-3. Check Flask logs for errors
-4. Ensure WiFi API endpoints are not being redirected
-
-### Issue: AP Mode Not Enabling
-
-**Symptoms:** Can't connect to "LEDMatrix-Setup" network
-
-**Solutions:**
-1. Check WiFi monitor service:
-   ```bash
-   sudo systemctl status ledmatrix-wifi-monitor
-   ```
-2. Check WiFi config:
-   ```bash
-   cat config/wifi_config.json
-   ```
-3. Manually enable AP mode:
-   ```bash
-   python3 -c "from src.wifi_manager import WiFiManager; wm = WiFiManager(); print(wm.enable_ap_mode())"
-   ```
-4. Check hostapd logs:
-   ```bash
-   sudo journalctl -u hostapd -n 50
-   ```
-
-## Verification Checklist
-
-- [ ] DNS redirection works (all domains resolve to 192.168.4.1)
-- [ ] HTTP redirect works (all websites redirect to setup page)
-- [ ] Captive portal detection endpoints respond correctly
-- [ ] iOS device auto-opens setup page
-- [ ] Android device shows sign-in notification
-- [ ] Windows device redirects to setup page
-- [ ] WiFi API endpoints still work during AP mode
-- [ ] Can successfully connect to WiFi via setup page
-- [ ] AP mode disables after WiFi connection
-- [ ] No infinite redirect loops
-- [ ] Captive portal banner appears on setup page when AP mode is active
-
-## Quick Test Script
-
-Save this as `test_captive_portal.sh`:
-
-```bash
-#!/bin/bash
-
-echo "Testing Captive Portal Functionality"
-echo "===================================="
-
-# Test DNS redirection
-echo -e "\n1. Testing DNS redirection..."
-nslookup google.com | grep -q "192.168.4.1" && echo "✓ DNS redirection works" || echo "✗ DNS redirection failed"
-
-# Test HTTP redirect
-echo -e "\n2. Testing HTTP redirect..."
-HTTP_CODE=$(curl -s -o /dev/null -w "%{http_code}" -L http://192.168.4.1:5000/google.com)
-[ "$HTTP_CODE" = "200" ] && echo "✓ HTTP redirect works" || echo "✗ HTTP redirect failed (got $HTTP_CODE)"
-
-# Test detection endpoints
-echo -e "\n3. Testing captive portal detection endpoints..."
-curl -s http://192.168.4.1:5000/hotspot-detect.html | grep -q "Success" && echo "✓ iOS endpoint works" || echo "✗ iOS endpoint failed"
-curl -s -o /dev/null -w "%{http_code}" http://192.168.4.1:5000/generate_204 | grep -q "204" && echo "✓ Android endpoint works" || echo "✗ Android endpoint failed"
-curl -s http://192.168.4.1:5000/connecttest.txt | grep -q "Microsoft" && echo "✓ Windows endpoint works" || echo "✗ Windows endpoint failed"
-curl -s http://192.168.4.1:5000/success.txt | grep -q "success" && echo "✓ Firefox endpoint works" || echo "✗ Firefox endpoint failed"
-
-# Test API endpoints
-echo -e "\n4. Testing API endpoints..."
-API_RESPONSE=$(curl -s http://192.168.4.1:5000/api/v3/wifi/status)
-echo "$API_RESPONSE" | grep -q "status" && echo "✓ API endpoints work" || echo "✗ API endpoints failed"
-
-echo -e "\nTesting complete!"
-```
-
-Make it executable and run:
-```bash
-chmod +x test_captive_portal.sh
-./test_captive_portal.sh
-```
-
-## Notes
-
-- **Port Number:** The web interface runs on port 5000 by default. If you've changed this, update all URLs accordingly.
-- **Network Range:** The AP uses 192.168.4.0/24 network. If you need a different range, update both hostapd and dnsmasq configs.
-- **Password:** Default AP password is `ledmatrix123`. Change it in `config/wifi_config.json` if needed.
-- **Testing on Same Device:** If testing from the Pi itself, you'll need a second device to connect to the AP network.
-

docs/archive/CAPTIVE_PORTAL_TROUBLESHOOTING.md

@@ -1,172 +0,0 @@
-# Captive Portal Troubleshooting Guide
-
-## Problem: Can't Access Web Interface When Connected to AP
-
-If you've connected to the "LEDMatrix-Setup" WiFi network but can't access the web interface, follow these steps:
-
-## Quick Checks
-
-### 1. Verify Web Server is Running
-
-```bash
-sudo systemctl status ledmatrix-web
-```
-
-If not running:
-```bash
-sudo systemctl start ledmatrix-web
-sudo systemctl enable ledmatrix-web
-```
-
-### 2. Try Direct IP Access
-
-On your phone/device, try accessing the web interface directly:
-- **http://192.168.4.1:5000/v3**
-- **http://192.168.4.1:5000**
-
-The port `:5000` is required - the web server runs on port 5000, not the standard port 80.
-
-### 3. Check DNS Resolution
-
-The captive portal uses DNS redirection. Try accessing:
-- **http://captive.apple.com** (should redirect to setup page)
-- **http://www.google.com** (should redirect to setup page)
-- **http://192.168.4.1:5000** (direct access - should always work)
-
-### 4. Verify AP Mode is Active
-
-```bash
-sudo systemctl status hostapd
-sudo systemctl status dnsmasq
-ip addr show wlan0 | grep 192.168.4.1
-```
-
-All should be active/running.
-
-### 5. Check Firewall
-
-If you have a firewall enabled, ensure port 5000 is open:
-
-```bash
-# For UFW
-sudo ufw allow 5000/tcp
-
-# For iptables
-sudo iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 5000 -j ACCEPT
-```
-
-## Common Issues
-
-### Issue: "Can't connect to server" or "Connection refused"
-
-**Cause**: Web server not running or not listening on the correct interface.
-
-**Solution**:
-```bash
-sudo systemctl start ledmatrix-web
-sudo systemctl status ledmatrix-web
-```
-
-### Issue: DNS not resolving / "Server not found"
-
-**Cause**: dnsmasq not running or DNS redirection not configured.
-
-**Solution**:
-```bash
-# Check dnsmasq
-sudo systemctl status dnsmasq
-
-# Restart AP mode
-cd ~/LEDMatrix
-python3 -c "from src.wifi_manager import WiFiManager; wm = WiFiManager(); wm.disable_ap_mode(); wm.enable_ap_mode()"
-```
-
-### Issue: Page loads but shows "Connection Error" or blank page
-
-**Cause**: Web server is running but Flask app has errors.
-
-**Solution**:
-```bash
-# Check web server logs
-sudo journalctl -u ledmatrix-web -n 50 --no-pager
-
-# Restart web server
-sudo systemctl restart ledmatrix-web
-```
-
-### Issue: Phone connects but browser doesn't open automatically
-
-**Cause**: Some devices don't automatically detect captive portals.
-
-**Solution**: Manually open browser and go to:
-- **http://192.168.4.1:5000/v3**
-- Or try: **http://captive.apple.com** (iOS) or **http://www.google.com** (Android)
-
-## Testing Steps
-
-1. **Disconnect Ethernet** from Pi
-2. **Wait 30 seconds** for AP mode to start
-3. **Connect phone** to "LEDMatrix-Setup" network (password: `ledmatrix123`)
-4. **Open browser** on phone
-5. **Try these URLs**:
-   - `http://192.168.4.1:5000/v3` (direct access)
-   - `http://captive.apple.com` (iOS captive portal detection)
-   - `http://www.google.com` (should redirect)
-
-## Automated Troubleshooting
-
-Run the troubleshooting script:
-
-```bash
-cd ~/LEDMatrix
-./scripts/troubleshoot_captive_portal.sh
-```
-
-This will check all components and provide specific fixes.
-
-## Manual AP Mode Test
-
-To manually test AP mode (bypassing Ethernet check):
-
-```bash
-cd ~/LEDMatrix
-python3 -c "
-from src.wifi_manager import WiFiManager
-wm = WiFiManager()
-
-# Temporarily disconnect Ethernet check
-# (This is for testing only - normally AP won't start with Ethernet)
-print('Enabling AP mode...')
-result = wm.enable_ap_mode()
-print('Result:', result)
-"
-```
-
-**Note**: This will fail if Ethernet is connected (by design). You must disconnect Ethernet first.
-
-## Still Not Working?
-
-1. **Check all services**:
-   ```bash
-   sudo systemctl status ledmatrix-web hostapd dnsmasq ledmatrix-wifi-monitor
-   ```
-
-2. **Check logs**:
-   ```bash
-   sudo journalctl -u ledmatrix-web -f
-   sudo journalctl -u ledmatrix-wifi-monitor -f
-   ```
-
-3. **Verify network configuration**:
-   ```bash
-   ip addr show wlan0
-   ip route show
-   ```
-
-4. **Test from Pi itself**:
-   ```bash
-   curl http://192.168.4.1:5000/v3
-   ```
-
-If it works from the Pi but not from your phone, it's likely a DNS or firewall issue.
-

docs/archive/DEBUG_WEB_ISSUE.md

@@ -1,75 +0,0 @@
-# Debug: Service Deactivated After Installing Dependencies
-
-## What Happened
-
-The service:
-1. ✅ Started successfully
-2. ✅ Installed dependencies
-3. ❌ Deactivated successfully (exited cleanly)
-
-This means it finished running but didn't actually launch the Flask app.
-
-## Most Likely Cause
-
-**`web_display_autostart` is probably set to `false` in your config.json**
-
-The service is designed to exit gracefully if this is false - it won't even try to start Flask.
-
-## Commands to Run RIGHT NOW
-
-### 1. Check the full logs to see what it said before exiting:
-```bash
-sudo journalctl -u ledmatrix-web -n 200 --no-pager | grep -A 5 -B 5 "web_display_autostart\|Configuration\|Launching\|will not"
-```
-
-This will show you if it said something like:
-- "Configuration 'web_display_autostart' is false or not set. Web interface will not be started."
-
-### 2. Check your config.json:
-```bash
-cat ~/LEDMatrix/config/config.json | grep web_display_autostart
-```
-
-### 3. If it's false or missing, set it to true:
-```bash
-nano ~/LEDMatrix/config/config.json
-```
-
-Find the line with `web_display_autostart` and change it to:
-```json
-"web_display_autostart": true,
-```
-
-If the line doesn't exist, add it near the top of the file (after the opening `{`):
-```json
-{
-  "web_display_autostart": true,
-  ... rest of config ...
-}
-```
-
-### 4. After fixing the config, restart the service:
-```bash
-sudo systemctl restart ledmatrix-web
-```
-
-### 5. Watch it start up:
-```bash
-sudo journalctl -u ledmatrix-web -f
-```
-
-You should see:
-- "Configuration 'web_display_autostart' is true. Starting web interface..."
-- "Dependencies installed successfully"
-- "Launching web interface v3: ..."
-- Flask starting up
-
-## Alternative: View ALL Recent Logs
-
-To see everything that happened:
-```bash
-sudo journalctl -u ledmatrix-web --since "5 minutes ago" --no-pager
-```
-
-This will show you the complete log including what happened after dependency installation.
-